New advice for doctors struggling with too many patients as Alberta health system under strain

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) has recently updated its guidelines for doctors in the province who are considering reducing the number of patients on their roster for safety reasons. This decision comes at a time when the Alberta health-care system is facing significant strain, with an estimated 600,000 Albertans without a family physician.

Dr. Dawn Hartfield, the deputy registrar of the CPSA, highlighted the increased stress in medical practice, with about half of health-care providers reporting burnout. The previous recommendation for doctors to use a random lottery system to discharge patients has been replaced with a new triage system based on patients’ health needs.

Under the updated guidelines, doctors are advised to prioritize patients who require access to care, ensuring that those in urgent need of primary care are retained. Dr. Shelley Duggan, president of the Alberta Medical Association, expressed concerns about the previous lottery system leading to patients with significant medical needs being discharged, potentially resulting in unnecessary visits to acute care facilities.

The new guidelines emphasize the importance of making decisions with compassion and fairness, especially for vulnerable patients who rely on primary care. Lorian Hardcastle, a health policy expert, highlighted the pressure on the health-care system and the need for policymakers to recruit more primary care providers to meet the growing demand.

Despite the risks associated with reducing patient loads, such as healthy patients missing preventative care, the focus remains on ensuring access to care for those in critical need. The Alberta government and the AMA have announced a new pay model for primary care physicians, with hopes of stabilizing practices and attracting more doctors to the province.

As efforts continue to address the challenges facing the health-care system in Alberta, the importance of providing compassionate and effective care to all patients remains a top priority. The collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and regulatory bodies is essential in ensuring the well-being of both patients and healthcare professionals.