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Estimating differences between male and female physician service provision using panel data.
Alexandra Constant1, Pierre Thomas Léger
1Economist Health Policy Research Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont., Canada.
Health Economics
|April 12, 2008
Summary
The increasing number of female physicians in Canada may lead to reduced healthcare services, as they provide fewer services than male physicians across most specialties. This trend could significantly impact future healthcare capacity.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Medical Workforce Analysis
- Canadian Healthcare System
Background:
- The Canadian physician population is experiencing a demographic shift with a growing proportion of female practitioners.
- Understanding the impact of this shift on healthcare service delivery is crucial for policy planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the effect of the increasing share of female physicians on the total output of Canadian physicians.
- To analyze service provision differences between male and female physicians within the Canadian fee-for-service system.
Main Methods:
- Development of a micro-econometric model tailored to the Canadian context.
- Estimation using administrative data for all fee-for-service physicians in Canada from 1989 to 1998.
- Panel data analysis to assess trends and impacts over time.
Main Results:
- Female physicians systematically provide fewer services than male physicians in nearly all specialties and provinces examined.
- The average service output differs significantly between genders, with female physicians providing fewer services.
Conclusions:
- The rising proportion of female physicians, coupled with their lower average service provision, suggests a potential for substantial future reductions in total healthcare services in Canada.
- Healthcare policymakers should consider these findings when planning for future healthcare workforce needs and service capacity.
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