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How many physicians does Canada need to care for our aging population?
N P Roos1, J E Bradley, R Fransoo
1Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg.
Summary
Canada's physician supply generally kept pace with population growth and aging between 1986 and 1994. However, provincial variations in general practitioner (GP) and specialist availability highlight the need for equitable distribution.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Population Health
- Medical Economics
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding the impact of Canada's aging population on healthcare system strain.
- This study examines physician supply changes from 1986-1994 in relation to population dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze physician supply trends in Canada between 1986 and 1994.
- To assess physician availability relative to population growth, aging, and provincial benchmarks.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Canadian Institute for Health Information data for physician numbers.
- Analyzed Manitoba physician claims data for specialty service provision by age group.
- Employed Statistics Canada population data and age/specialty-specific utilization patterns.
- Used Alberta's physician supply as a benchmark for inter-provincial comparisons.
Main Results:
- Overall physician supply met population growth and aging demands between 1986-1994.
- Significant provincial disparities observed in general practitioner (GP) and specialist supply.
- Alberta as a benchmark revealed surpluses in some provinces and deficits in others for both GPs and specialists.
Conclusions:
- The aging Canadian population does not pose a general threat to physician supply.
- Provincial variations in physician resources necessitate understanding costs, benefits, and promoting equitable distribution.
- A needs-based approach to physician availability is crucial within and across Canadian provinces.