Blog Post Six Brief

Let’s Be truthful - There is No End In Sight to Canada’s Doctor Shortage - So What Can Be Done to Improve Access to Primary Care?

Introduction

Let's face it: Canada is grappling with a severe doctor shortage, and there's no end in sight. Projections indicate a shortfall of 44,000 physicians by 2028. While recruiting foreign-trained doctors is a stopgap measure, it's not a sustainable solution. The Angus Reid Institute and the Canadian Medical Association reveal that Canadians believe the system needs structural changes more than just increased funding. And they're absolutely right.

The Cornerstone: Access to Primary Care

Primary care is the linchpin of Canada's healthcare system. Family physicians are instrumental in preventative care, early diagnosis, and chronic disease management. Their declining numbers have a domino effect—less preventative care, delayed diagnoses, and inadequate disease management. This leads to longer wait times and compromised patient care.

Provincial Innovations: A Step in the Right Direction

Provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and BC are pioneering new ways to improve access to primary care. Ontario has launched Community Health Centers and expanded the role of pharmacists in treating common ailments. BC employs nurse practitioners in community clinics where doctors are scarce. These are not just necessary steps; they are long overdue.

The Shift in Patient Loads

Expanding the roles of pharmacists and nurse practitioners will inevitably change the caseload for family physicians, skewing it towards more complex cases. This shift is not a threat but an opportunity. It allows family physicians to focus on cases that require their level of expertise, thereby enhancing the quality of care.

Embrace the Change, Don't Resist

The argument that only doctors should provide primary care is outdated and impractical. With 6 million Canadians lacking a family doctor, it's high time the medical community accepts that other healthcare professionals can and should share the load.

The Bottom Line

If Canada is serious about tackling the physician shortage and increasing access to primary care, we need to look beyond only recruiting foreign-trained doctors. We must expand the roles of pharmacists and nurse practitioners and adjust compensation packages for family physicians accordingly. Provincial medical boards need to plan for these inevitable changes now.

Conclusion

Canada's doctor shortage is a complex issue with no quick fixes. However, expanding the roles of other healthcare professionals can significantly improve access to primary care. It's time for the medical community and provincial governments to embrace these changes and adapt. The health of our nation depends on it.