A new survey shows physicians are embracing digital health tools, but integration issues still persist
The 2024 National Survey of Canadian Physicians reveals that Canadian physicians are increasingly adopting digital tools to enhance patient care, but better integration within the health system is necessary to fully maximize the benefits of these technologies.
The survey found that physicians have embraced electronic tools, particularly in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing health human resources (HHR) issues.
Key findings indicate significant progress in the adoption of digital tools to improve patient care and reduce administrative burdens.
Ninety-five percent of physicians now use electronic records for entering and retrieving patient notes, a marked increase from 87 percent in 2021, 82 percent in 2017, and just 39 percent in 2010.
Additionally, eight out of ten physicians no longer use paper for patient information, with 65 percent using only one electronic system.
The survey also noted an increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning for patient care, with 7 percent of physicians incorporating these technologies, compared to only 2 percent in 2021.
Despite these advancements, there are still significant challenges in connecting health systems to ensure digital tools enhance care. Seventy-three percent of physicians cited poor system integration or the use of multiple unconnected systems as major obstacles.
Furthermore, 68 percent of respondents reported spending over an hour each day searching for patient information necessary for care. The survey also found that 44 percent of physicians experience some level of burnout, with 5 percent feeling completely burned out.
Simon Hagens, vice president of Performance at Canada Health Infoway, commented, “The National Survey of Physicians provides the industry valuable and up-to-date insight on the experiences of physicians and how their practices have changed over time. As the front line to patient care, it is imperative we understand their experiences to improve our healthcare system.”
He also emphasized the promising increases in the use of digital tools like AI, while stressing the need for improved system connectivity to reduce administrative burdens.
CMA President Joss Reimer echoed this sentiment, stating, “Physicians across Canada are embracing digital health tools, while also highlighting that there is much work to be done to ensure these tools truly enhance care delivery.”
“Effective integration and interoperability are key to reducing administrative burdens and allowing physicians to focus on what matters most—providing high-quality care to their patients.”
These findings reinforce the need to advance the Shared Pan-Canadian Interoperability Roadmap, which focuses on creating a connected healthcare system through interoperable digital health solutions.
The roadmap offers a clear path forward for improving physician workflows and delivering better patient care. The insights from the survey will help guide ongoing efforts to address current challenges and accelerate the adoption of interoperable technologies across the healthcare sector in Canada.
The survey, commissioned by Canada Health Infoway and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and conducted by Leger, aimed to track physicians' views on the use and impact of digital health technologies in their practices.
