Special Projects
Human Resource Planning
In response to reports of excessive patient waiting times for care and concerns over the number of digestive disease specialists, the Association in 2004 launched its Human Resource Planning Project which involved three complementary initiatives. The first was a detailed census of professionals providing digestive health care in Canada. The second initiative was a multidisciplinary consensus panel charged with establishing evidence- and expertise-based target maximal wait times or benchmarks for digestive health care. The third initiative was a practice audit in gastroenterology (PAGE) program to quantify actual wait times for digestive disease consultations and procedures.Census of Canadian Gastroenterologists
Findings from the census suggest that Canada has 550 gastroenterologists or 1.83 specialists per 100,000 population, ranking Canada fourth of five countries after the United States (3.90 specialists/100,000), France (3.48), and Australia (2.10) (Am J Gastroenterol 2007;102:478-81). In addition, it is projected that the number of gastroenterologists will fall by 15% in the next 10 years unless training positions are increased. Furthermore, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs will dramatically increase the need for colonoscopy and put further strain on Canada’s ability to provide timely care for patients with digestive diseases.
Wait Time Benchmarks for Digestive Health Care
The CAG-led consensus panel, representing national and regional gastroenterology associations, hepatology, general surgery, internal medicine and family practice, has developed 24 recommendations for maximal, medically-appropriate wait times for gastroenterological consultation and procedures (Can J Gastroenterol 2006;20:411-23). Unfortunately, many of these wait time recommendations cannot currently be achieved and remain targets for care. The CAG has published a comparison of actual wait times and the recommended targets (Can J Gastroenterol 2008;22(2):161-167)
Actual Wait Times for Digestive Care in Canada
Results from the PAGE – Wait Times program have confirmed that wait times for gastroenterological care are excessive (Can J Gastroenterol 2008;22(2):155-160). There are many possible reasons for this and appropriate reduction in wait times will require collaboration between the CAG, provincial gastroenterology associations, and provincial and federal government.
Since 2005 the CAG has advocated for the opportunity to work with government in an effort to decrease wait times, achieve benchmarks, and address the looming shortage of gastroenterology specialists. In April 2007, the CAG was one of five medical organizations invited to join the Wait Time Alliance for Timely Access to Health Care. The Association continues to work towards the goal of timely and quality digestive health care for all Canadians.
