A new survey commissioned by Canada Health Infoway and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) reveals that while Canadian physicians are increasingly adopting digital health tools, significant barriers remain in fully integrating these technologies into the healthcare system. Conducted by Leger, the 2024 National Survey of Canadian Physicians offers a comprehensive look into how digital health and information technologies are shaping medical practices across Canada.
The survey, conducted between April 25 and May 16, 2024, gathered responses from 1,145 practising physicians and residents actively providing patient care. It highlights a growing reliance on electronic systems to manage patient information and improve care, especially during challenging periods like the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing health human resources (HHR) shortages.
Key Findings:
1. Widespread Use of Electronic Records:
• A significant 95% of physicians now use electronic records to document and retrieve patient notes, up from 87% in 2021 and just 39% in 2010.
• Four out of five physicians have moved away from paper documentation, with 65% using only one electronic system for patient information.
2. Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
• The use of AI and machine learning to support patient care is growing, with 7% of physicians incorporating AI into their practice, compared to 2% in 2021.
Despite these advancements, the survey also underscores ongoing challenges with system integration, which often hinders the full potential of digital tools.
System Integration Barriers:
• Fragmented Systems: Over 70% of physicians face difficulties with poor system integration, relying on multiple unconnected technologies that impede workflow efficiency.
• Time Burdens: Nearly 70% of respondents report spending over an hour each day searching for patient information due to disjointed systems.
• Physician Burnout: The survey found that 44% of physicians are experiencing some level of burnout, with 5% reporting complete burnout, partly attributed to administrative burdens from unconnected systems.
These findings emphasize the need for improved health system connectivity to ensure digital tools enhance rather than hinder care. The Shared Pan-Canadian Interoperability Roadmap, aimed at establishing integrated and interoperable health technologies, is seen as a crucial step in addressing these challenges.
As Canada continues its journey toward a more connected healthcare system, the insights from this survey will guide efforts to streamline digital solutions, improve physician workflows, and ultimately enhance patient care across the country.
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