The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is calling for the removal of sick note requirements for minor, short-term health conditions, which could reduce up to 12.5 million unnecessary interactions each year in the healthcare system. health.
A new survey commissioned from Abacus Data by the CMA reveals that approximately one in three members of Canada’s workforce have had to provide their employer with proof of illness to justify a short-term absence at least once during of the last year.
“Sickness certifications are a human resources responsibility, not a health system responsibility,” says Dr. Joss Reimer, President of the CMA. “We understand that companies put policies in place to manage their staff. That said, 6.5 million Canadians do not have a family doctor and the wait for specialized care is far too long. Doctors must therefore devote their time to caring for people who need medical care, when they need it. »
According to results from the 2021 CMA National Physician Health Survey, 53% of respondents say they experience high levels of burnout, particularly due to their administrative burden. Sick certificates impose unnecessary tasks on doctors that prevent them from providing care, amplify inefficiencies and inequities within the health care system, and could accelerate the spread of viral diseases.
In a new position statement, the CMA recommends that legislative changes be made to restrict the ability to require sick certificates and encourage the implementation of alternatives such as self-certification and flexible leave . The aim is to reduce the administrative burden on healthcare providers and improve access to care and the efficiency of the healthcare system as a whole. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of Canadians say they are in favor of legislation aimed at limiting the requirements for sick certificates for short-term absences.
The Abacus Data survey was conducted among 1,500 working adults in Canada, October 7-10, 2024. The margin of error for a comparable random sample of this size is ±2.53%, 19 times over 20.
About the AMC
The Canadian Medical Association is the originator of a national coalition of physicians and medical learners who believe in a better future for health. It aspires to create a viable and accessible health system where patients participate in their care, a medical culture that promotes equity, diversity and the well-being of physicians, as well as inclusive communities where every person can live healthily. health. Guided by values of collaboration and inclusion, she creates change through her advocacy work, donations, sponsorships and grants, and knowledge sharing.
Source: Canadian Medical Association / CNW
Publication Health Index: 2024-10-28
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