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 as described below.

Census of Canadian Gastroenterologists
Findings from the census suggest that Canada has 550 gastroenterologists (Can J Gastroenterol 2007;21(12):843-6) 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
A CAG-led consensus panel, representing national and regional gastroenterology associations, hepatology, general surgery, internal medicine and family practice,  developed 24 recommendations for maximal, medically-appropriate wait times for gastroenterological consultation and procedures (Can J Gastroenterol 2006;20:411-23). 

Actual Wait Times for Digestive Care in Canada
Results from the 2005 Practice Audit in Gastroenterology (PAGE) Wait Times program confirmed that wait times for gastroenterological care are excessive (Can J Gastroenterol 2008;22(2):155-60). Comparison of these wait times with the benchmarks for care described above has unfortunately shown that many of the targets are not being achieved (Can J Gastroenterol 2008;22(2):161-167).

In 2008 the Survey of Access to Gastroenterology (SAGE) again measured wait times for gastroenterological care. The survey found that waits have worsened since 2005 and continue to exceed recommendations (Can J Gastroenterol 2010;24(1):20-5).

The CAG continues to advocate for the opportunity to work with government in an effort to decrease wait times, achieve benchmarks, and address the looming shortage of gastroenterology specialists.  Since April 2007, the CAG has been a member of the Wait Time Alliance for Timely Access to Health Care.  The Association is working towards the goal of timely and quality digestive health care for all Canadians.

Other Information on Wait Times:

• CAG & Wait Time Alliance – June 2009
  
• Wait time for endoscopic evaluation at a Canadian tertiary care centre: Comparison with CAG targets
  
• WAIT TIMES A Medical Liability Perspective

Other Related Projects:

• Endoscopy Quality Initiative (EQI)