In a collaborative effort to understand the impacts to BC’s current healthcare system, two organizations conducted a survey revealing a state of crisis for specialist waitlists in BC.
The survey by Consultant Specialists of BC and Doctors of BC shows “a far-reaching specialist waitlist crisis that is severely compromising the health and well-being of British Columbians.”
According to the survey, there are approximately 1.2 million patients waiting to see a specialist in the province, which these organizations find profoundly concerning.
The root of the problem, according to Consultant Specialists of BC and Doctors of BC, is that there are just not enough specialists in British Columbia.
Areas of expertise that are specifically lacking are in the fields of cardiology, neurology, orthopedic surgery and urology.
The survey results indicated that 63% of respondents say waitlists have grown over the past two years, which has placed undue strain on both patients and physicians.
Specialists in BC have an average waitlist of 282 patients, according to the survey.
Additionally, wait times for a first consultation with them is around four weeks for urgent cases, 10 weeks for semi-urgent cases and up to 10 months for non-urgent cases.
“For years, specialist doctors have had concerns about the increasing number of patients waiting for care along with the negative impact longer waits are having on their health,” said Dr. Charlene Lui, President of Doctors of BC.
“As well, the stress level for specialists themselves impacts them professionally and personally, contributing to burnout, medical leaves, and reduced quality of life. Neither patients nor doctors can afford to continue down this path.”
Additional statistics from the survey which come as alarming to the two organizations are that only 11% of physicians believe patients currently have adequate access to care and 70% report increased workloads due to their growing waitlists.
As a result of this survey, Consultant Specialists of BC and Doctors of BC have made a list of recommendations to the Province to improve the situation:
- Modernize waitlist management systems
- Expand team-based specialist care
- Introduce flexible payment models to support patient care
- Invest in specialist training and recruitment
- Enhance rural outreach and provide resources for overburdened clinics
“In a similar survey that we conducted almost two years ago with BC’s Specialist physicians, it’s disheartening to see that the situation has been worsening,” said Dr. Robert Carruthers, President of Consultant Specialists of BC.
“Back then, the survey illustrated [that] about 1 million British Columbians were waiting for Specialist care. British Columbians need things to improve.”
Consultant Specialists of BC and Doctors of BC say they hope the Ministry of Health will find funding to kickstart their recommended solutions and work collectively to shorten wait times.
