The rate of doctor burnout in Canada has nearly doubled during the pandemic, according to a new survey.
The Canadian Medical Association is sounding the alarm over the health of those who look after us in times of need.
Preliminary data from the National Physician Health Survey of 4,000 doctors and residents last fall shows 53 per cent are experiencing high levels of burnout.
That’s compared to just 30 per cent four years ago.
Nearly half of the physicians surveyed also say they’re looking to reduce their clinical work in the next two years.
CMA President Dr. Katharine Smart says Canadians should be worried as the health care system is already strained.
“We should be deeply alarmed that half of the physician workforce is considering reducing their clinical workload. The downstream impact to patient care will be significant as we are already experiencing access to care issues,” says Smart in a news release. “There is no question that the pandemic has greatly affected our health workforce. As we look to rebuild our health care system, we need to prioritize the people who work within it and call on all governments to take action now.”
The preliminary survey data has been released following an emergency meeting of 40 national and provincial health organizations representing Canada’s health workforce.
The organizations want help rebuilding the country’s health care system and boosting the workforce, including implementing a national human health resources strategy.
A full report on the survey’s findings is expected later this year.
