Medical association survey finds Saskatchewan doctors at risk of burnout

SASKATOON The head of the Saskatchewan Medical Association says burnout is a real concern for physicians.

Dr. Intheran Pillay says recent data gathered from doctors seems to confirm that there are a large number of physicians who are managing, but are signalling a high level of stress.

From Jan. 16 to Feb. 5, the association surveyed 650 doctors about team-based care, data and accountability, compensation and physician participation in health system redesign.

Pillay says the troubling part was that the survey also indicated a large number of doctors are reporting they’re at risk of burnout.

One in two specialists identified that risk, as did two out of three general practitioners.

Pillay says doctors have told the association clearly that a fragmented health system is diminishing patient care and wasting resources.

“Our survey confirms for us that these views are more widely shared among the province’s physicians,’’ said Pillay.

“We are keen to continue talking with our colleagues about these issues, and are looking to work with the Ministry of Health, and other key health-care stakeholders, on how we can build a better, more integrated health system for the people of Saskatchewan.’’

The survey comes as the Saskatchewan government consolidates 12 existing health regions into a single provincial health authority.

The medical association has said the consolidation will be a mammoth task, but also that it welcomes changes that could improve care.