Canadian doctor burnout stresses need for new models: CMA

Nearly half of doctors who participated in a survey for the Canadian Medical Association say they are considering reducing their clinical work in the next two years, mainly because of burnout.

The survey was conducted in fall 2021 and asked 4,000 doctors and medical learners how the pandemic has affected their mental health. It found two in three doctors surveyed say it had worsened, in large part due to an increased workload.

CMA President Dr. Katharine Smart says the study shows the current system is not working and is joining calls to move away from the pay-per-patient model used in the majority of family practice settings, although some provinces have introduced alternative models in recent years.

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“We have had the same model of family medicine or primary care since the 60s. It is no longer working with an aging population with increasingly complex medical needs and because of that is no longer attracting people to that type of medicine, which is so important for Canadians.”

She says making the change could address the burnout factor.

“We are hearing from family doctors lots of ideas around solutions to redesigning that aspect of the system and I think our governments need to get serious about listening to those concerns and modernizing the health care system,” she said.

The preliminary survey data comes after an emergency meeting in Canada’s health workforce saw key stakeholders call for urgent action to address the situation. Among their demands is the creation of a national human health resources strategy.