Commentary: Improving Access to Surgical Care in Canadian Health Systems: Technology or Culture?

Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Surgical Practice Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Public concern over wait times for elective orthopaedic surgery poses significant threats to Canadian medicare.
• Systemic factors contribute to extended surgical wait times, with a core issue being uncoordinated independent surgeon practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify fundamental causes of long surgical wait times in Canadian medicare.
• To explore the potential of cultural changes in surgical practice models to improve access and surgeon work environments.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of systemic factors contributing to surgical wait times.
• Evaluation of current approaches to address wait times, including technological solutions.
• Assessment of the impact of practice model and cultural shifts on surgical access.

Main Results:

• Lack of coordination among independent surgeons is a fundamental cause of long wait times.
• Technological solutions have been the primary focus of past efforts to reduce wait times.
• Cultural changes in surgical practice models offer potential for enhanced access.

Conclusions:

• Addressing uncoordinated surgical practices is crucial for reducing wait times in Canadian medicare.
• Shifting focus from solely technological solutions to cultural and practice model changes can improve surgical access.
• Implementing changes in surgical practice models can positively impact the professional work environment for Canadian surgeons.