A new report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) describes areas that need urgent attention in Canada’s healthcare systems.
The data-driven report identifies key areas where improvement is needed, such as: These include a shortage of GPs, an increase in surgical backlogs, increases in overtime hours worked, access to mental health resources, and better electronic records.
“What I like about a report like this is that it shows where our gaps are and allows us to focus on those areas,” said Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, an Ottawa-based critical care and palliative care physician.
Many of the problems stem from the COVID-19 pandemic. The report is aimed at the federal and state governments and is intended to serve as a starting point.
“I think there are a lot of small things that can add up to make a significant impact,” said Dr. Kyeremanteng told CTV News. “But we have to make that decision. We need to start pushing for removing barriers and thinking creatively.”
In the Ottawa area, Pontiac Hospital is located in Shawville, Que. is an example. Due to a lack of staff, the hospital recently announced that it would limit services on weekends indefinitely.
Deborah Harris’ mother is currently being treated for respiratory problems in Shawville but now has to be discharged every weekend.
“They told us there weren’t enough people left to help us take care of them,” Harris said. “So we take her home and take care of my mother at home.”
“It’s scary,” she adds. “We are not doctors or nurses and have not received enough advice or appropriate information to let us know what to do.”
CIHI plans to release annual reports on Canada’s health data and track the progress of its systems.
“There is a strong commitment on the part of health systems and governments to make improvements in these areas,” said Kathleen Morris, vice president of research and analysis at CIHI.
“But these are long-standing issues and it will take time for things to change.”