The anesthesiologist shortage is now a ‘full-blown crisis.’ Should Canada use nurse anesthetists?

The debate over whether Canada should have nurse anesthetists continues to rage on, with nursing advocates arguing that allowing specially trained nurses to provide anesthesia care could help alleviate the shortage of anesthesiologists in the country. In the United States, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) have been providing anesthesia care for decades, administering millions of anesthetics each year and playing a crucial role in ensuring access to care, especially in rural areas.

Valerie Grdisa, CEO of the Canadian Nurses Association, points out that while the U.S. health care system has its flaws, one thing it does well is making efficient use of its workforce. Nurses in the U.S. are able to provide anesthesia care, allowing for better value for money and equal outcomes. Grdisa was part of an effort to establish a nurse practitioner program in anesthesia at the University of Toronto in the early 2000s, but the program was dismantled before graduates could enter the Ontario health care workforce due to pressure from physician groups.

Canadian nurse Joe Toma, who works as a nurse anesthetist in Detroit, emphasizes the importance of nurse anesthetists in improving operating room access for Canadian citizens. He notes that the shortage of anesthesia providers is a major contributing factor to long surgical wait times in Canada. Despite the clear benefits of allowing nurse anesthetists to practice in Canada, the idea has faced pushback from physician groups.

The shortage of anesthesiologists in Canada has been described as a crisis, with many anesthesiology departments reporting significant challenges with recruitment and retention. An editorial published in the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia highlighted the need for a national strategy on anesthesia, which has been lacking for more than three decades. While some provinces, such as British Columbia, have considered introducing nurse anesthetists, the idea has yet to be implemented.

The Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society has firmly rejected the idea of nurse anesthetists in Canada, arguing that the role should be reserved for doctors. Dr. Giuseppe Fuda, president of the society, believes that the current system of anesthetist assistants is sufficient and that importing American solutions is not necessary. However, advocates for nurse anesthetists argue that allowing nurses to provide anesthesia care could lead to better workforce optimization and reduced costs.

The debate over nurse anesthetists in Canada highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the shortage of anesthesia providers in the country. While physician groups may be opposed to the idea, nurses and nursing advocates believe that allowing nurse anesthetists to practice in Canada could help improve access to care and reduce surgical wait times. As the health care system continues to face challenges, finding innovative solutions to address the shortage of anesthesia providers will be crucial in ensuring that Canadians receive the care they need.