National Physician Survey: Canadian doctors feel overworked
The National Physician Survey is conducted every 3 years by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Canadian Medical Association, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Results from the 2013 online survey reveal that almost one-third of doctors in Canada identify themselves as being overworked, and twice that number have seen an increase in the demand for the services they provide.
In addition to spending an average of 54 hours per week on the job (a 3-hour increase since 2010), physicians surveyed spent an average of 110 hours per month performing other services such as on call. Female physicians spent an average of 5 fewer hours per week at work than male physicians, down from 7 hours in 2004.
The survey also shows a significant increase in the number of physicians using electronic medical records since the last survey was conducted—62% of respondents are now using EMRs, up from 39% in 2010—and 42% of respondents report experiencing an increase in their productivity since incorporating EMRs into their practice.
To read more survey results, visit www.nationalphysiciansurvey.ca.