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Are we headed for a shortage of burn care providers in Canada?
Sebastian Q Vrouwe1, Marc G Jeschke2, Joel S Fish3
1Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Introduction:
Specialized burn care is categorized as an essential component in the criteria for provincial/state and regional trauma systems. Studies in the United States and New Zealand found a need for more burn surgeons and anticipated a severe shortage in the future. The purpose of this study is to describe the current active workforce of burn surgeons in Canada and forecast any perceived shortages in the future.
Methods:
Burn care providers were identified from each metropolitan area across Canada. A survey was modified from a previous study and distributed electronically via SurveyMonkey™ to representatives from 26 centres.
Results:
Twenty-six centres responded to the questionnaire (response rate=100%). Four of these centres self-identified as providing dedicated burn care, 19 identified themselves as being integrated into surgical programs at their institution, and two stated they no longer treated burn injuries. The mean number of acute burn admissions per year was 67.2 (range 2-290). Of the centres admitting over 75 burns per year, 44% (4/9) are currently looking for a surgeon, 56% (5/9) will be looking for another surgeon in five years, and 44% (4/9) are having or feel they will have trouble finding a surgeon to manage burns.
Discussion:
Canada is facing a shortage of burn care specialists similar to other developed nations. Active mentorship of surgical trainees is essential to maintain the delivery of high quality of burn care in Canada.
Insights
Canada faces a significant shortage of burn care specialists, mirroring global trends. Addressing this requires active mentorship of surgical trainees to ensure high-quality burn care delivery.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Workforce Analysis
- Burn Care Systems
Background:
- Specialized burn care is a critical element of provincial/state and regional trauma systems.
- Previous studies in the US and New Zealand highlighted a current and projected deficit of burn surgeons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current number of active burn surgeons in Canada.
- To forecast potential future shortages in the burn surgery workforce.
Main Methods:
- Burn care providers were identified across Canadian metropolitan areas.
- A modified survey was electronically distributed to representatives from 26 burn care centers.
Main Results:
- A 100% response rate was achieved from the 26 surveyed centers.
- Of centers admitting over 75 burns annually, 44% are actively seeking surgeons, and 56% anticipate needing one within five years.
- 44% of high-volume centers report current or anticipated difficulties in recruiting burn surgeons.
Conclusions:
- Canada is experiencing a shortage of burn care specialists, consistent with international observations.
- Proactive mentorship programs for surgical trainees are crucial for sustaining the quality of burn care in Canada.
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