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Highlights of the 2002 Canadian Neurological Society (CNS) Manpower Survey

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2014

Peter Bailey*
Affiliation:
Dalhousie University, Saint John Campus, Saint John, New Brunswick
Sharon Warren
Affiliation:
Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
Lynda Buske
Affiliation:
Canadian Medical Association, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
*
Saint John Regional Hospital, 400 University Ave., Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L2
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Abstract:

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Background:

The Canadian Neurological Society commissioned a manpower survey in 2002 to assess demographics, distribution, specialty interests, working conditions, job satisfaction and future plans of neurologists across the country.

Methods:

A survey was mailed to all known Canadian neurologists (n = 694) on two separate occasions. Further encouragement by telephone contact was undertaken. The response rate was 54%.

Results:

The mean age of neurologists who responded was 51 years, with 14% being women. Approximately 55% of neurologists were community-based. Seventy-six percent designated a sub-specialty interest. On average, neurologists worked 57 hours per week and the majority had significant “on-call” commitments. Job satisfaction was higher among academic neurologists when compared with community-based neurologists, and greater among men than women. A greater percentage of older neurologists were satisfied with their work than their younger colleagues. Significant attrition in the neurological work force is a major concern, since up to 20% of neurologists reported that they are likely to retire in the next five years and about 15% are likely to reduce their practice.

Conclusions:

This survey suggests that substantial concerns are facing Canadian neurology over the next five years. Major efforts to retain existing expertise and enhance residency training will be required to simply maintain the present quality of neurological care in Canada.

Résumé:

RÉSUMÉ:Contexte:

La Société canadienne de neurologie a commandé une enquête sur la main-d’œuvre en 2002 afin d’évaluer les caractéristiques démographiques, la distribution, les intérêts à l’intérieur de la spécialité, les conditions de travail, la satisfaction au travail et les projets d’avenir des neurologues canadiens.

Méthodes:

Un questionnaire a été posté à tous les neurologues canadiens (n = 694) à deux reprises. Un rappel téléphonique a été fait. Le taux de réponse a été de 54%.

Résultats:

L’âge moyen des neurologues qui ont répondu au questionnaire était de 51 ans et 14% étaient des femmes. À peu près 55% des neurologues étaient en pratique courante. Soixante-seize pour cent ont mentionné un intérêt pour une sous-spécialité. Les neurologues travaillaient en moyenne 57 heures par semaine et pour la majorité la garde constituait une partie importante de leurs tâches. La satisfaction au travail était plus élevée chez les neurologues du milieu académique que chez les neurologues en pratique courante, et plus élevée chez les hommes que chez les femmes. Un plus grand pourcentage de neurologues plus âgés était satisfait de leur travail que leurs collègues plus jeunes. Une attrition importante au sein de la main-d’oeuvre neurologique est une préoccupation majeure considérant qu’environ 20% des neurologues ont signalé qu’ils prendront probablement leur retraite dans les 5 prochaines années et qu’environ 15% ont l’intention de réduire leur pratique.

Conclusions:

Cette étude suggère que la situation de la neurologie canadienne deviendra préoccupante au cours des cinq prochaines années. Il faudra déployer des efforts pour conserver l’expertise existante et rehausser la formation en neurologie pour maintenir la qualité actuelle des soins neurologiques au Canada

Type
Original Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological 2005

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