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April 06, 2007
Woes for Canadians with Spinal Difficulties
Source: Canadian Television News, Toronto, Feb 24/07
Description of Issue:
There is troubling news regarding another dimension of the Canadian Health Care System. The Canadian Spinal Association is reporting exceptionally long wait times for a referral to a specialist. Many physicians, specializing in spinal related problems are refusing to see new patients although many of these patients may require surgery. In fact, the physicians readily admit that some of the patients on the waiting lists are more in need of care than patients undergoing treatment. Many Canadian patients are now traveling to Germany and India where diagnosis and if required, surgery can sometimes be completed in one week! As a number of patients interviewed stated, “this shouldn’t be the case in Canada’s publicly funded health care system.” Unfortunately, spinal related matters are not one of the current priorities in Canada’s health care system.
Implication for Pharmacy:
Pharmacists need to monitor and assist in the pain management and medication management as patients wait to see a specialist. In addition, there is the issue of collaboration with health professionals in other areas when patients elect to leave Canada to seek treatment in another country.
Posted by mmacneil at April 6, 2007 06:24 PM