Based on coverage from CBC and CityNews.
Ontario Study Reveals Gender Disparity in Doctor-Patient Time
A recent study highlights a significant gender disparity in the time Ontario's female family physicians spend with their patients compared to their male counterparts. Conducted by McMaster University and published in the Canadian Family Physician journal, the research surveyed over 1,050 family doctors across the province. It found that female physicians spend 15 to 20 per cent more time with patients, translating to nearly four additional minutes per appointment. This extra time, while beneficial for patient care, contributes to a gender pay gap, with female doctors earning significantly less annually.
Fee-for-Service Model Under Scrutiny
The study raises questions about Ontario's fee-for-service payment model, which compensates doctors based on the volume and type of services rather than the time spent with patients. This system appears to disadvantage those who, like many female physicians, prioritize longer, more comprehensive consultations. Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, president of the Ontario Medical Association, criticized the current model for rewarding volume over quality, suggesting it inadvertently penalizes doctors who provide more patient-centric care.
Empathy and Patient-Centric Care
Female physicians often adopt a more empathetic approach, which can lead to longer consultations. Dr. Tara Kiran from St. Michael's Hospital noted that patients, especially women, often seek out female doctors for their empathetic communication and emotional support. This approach is not only about medical treatment but also about building trust and addressing complex psychosocial issues. Dr. Iris Gorfinkel, a Toronto-based family doctor, emphasized the importance of this connection, stating that medicine is as much about listening and empathy as it is about prescriptions and procedures.
Calls for Compensation Reform
The study's findings have sparked calls for reform in how family physicians are compensated. Boris Kralj, one of the study's authors, advocates for a tiered payment system similar to one implemented in Alberta, which compensates doctors for time rather than just services rendered. This approach could help bridge the gender pay gap and ensure that physicians who spend more time with patients are not financially penalized.
Future Changes and Implications
Ontario is set to introduce a new compensation model in April, allowing family doctors to bill for both direct and indirect patient care time. This blended model aims to address the structural disadvantages faced by physicians who prioritize patient-centric care. As the healthcare landscape evolves, these changes could lead to more equitable compensation and improved patient outcomes. The ongoing dialogue around these issues underscores the need for a healthcare system that values quality time with patients as much as the quantity of services provided.
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