B.C. Doctors Urge Province to Reduce Digital Bureaucracy, Citing Care Delays

Family physicians in British Columbia (B.C.) are urging the provincial government to streamline digital processes. They argue that excessive bureaucratic hurdles are delaying patient care and leading to longer waiting times.

B.C. Doctors Highlight Administrative Burdens

A recent national report reveals that doctors in B.C. spend approximately three million hours annually managing administrative tasks. This study, released during Red Tape Awareness Week, indicates that B.C. doctors dedicate nearly 10 hours weekly to paperwork.

Experts estimate that removing unnecessary paperwork could potentially free up the equivalent of over 1,400 full-time doctors for patient care.

Challenges in the Healthcare System

• Dr. Jennifer Lush, a family physician from Victoria, claims she allocates around 17 hours each week to paperwork. This time could be better spent with patients.
• Outdated systems, including those reliant on fax technology, contribute to delayed diagnoses and treatments.
• Doctors often face issues such as lost requisitions when using these outdated methods.

Moreover, various healthcare facilities across B.C. utilize fragmented electronic medical record systems. This lack of integration significantly hampers the exchange of patient information.

Recommendations for Improvement

According to the report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), several solutions could alleviate these administrative burdens:

• Simplifying insurance processes
• Delegating certain paperwork responsibilities to other healthcare professionals
• Providing physicians with paid time for administrative tasks
• Incorporating AI tools in medical practices, potentially saving an average of 64 minutes daily for doctors

Government’s Response

B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne acknowledges the concerns raised by healthcare providers. She confirms that streamlining paperwork and integrating electronic medical records is a top priority for the province.

Minister Osborne mentioned ongoing efforts to eliminate sick note requirements and leverage digital solutions like AI scribes. These measures aim to reduce documentation time, allowing physicians to focus more on patient interactions.

Overall, B.C. doctors continue to advocate for changes that will enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.