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- Talk
- 09/06/2022
- CANADA
Rising to The Challenge: What is The Situation in Quebec?
Description
The presentation by Dr. Jean-Francois Joncas focuses on the current situation of orthopedic surgery and waiting lists in Quebec. He begins by thanking his colleagues and highlighting the relevance of the global summary presented by Dr. MacDonald, emphasizing that the conclusions apply similarly to Quebec. He states that prior to COVID-19, the waiting list for surgical specialties in Quebec was approximately 115,000 patients, which has now grown to 157,000, including 37,000 specifically for orthopedic surgery.
Dr. Joncas explains the increase in waiting lists and presents data showing that nearly half of orthopedic patients are waiting for less than six months, but he notes the overall situation is unacceptable, especially considering the significant number of patients requiring hospitalization for their surgeries. He attributes some of the ongoing issues to regions outside of Montreal facing greater challenges despite their smaller populations.
He discusses various factors contributing to the surgical waiting lists, including the partnerships formed with private clinics during COVID-19 to alleviate some of the strain on the public health system. Dr. Joncas mentions how these partnerships have improved operating room capacity,
highlighting that collaboration with private clinics has led to increased surgical volumes and efficiency.
Key observations include the need for prioritization of surgeries based on functional impairment and waiting times, as well as the importance of having decision-makers involved in the process. He advocates for the reevaluation of criteria for surgeries to be inclusive of functional status rather than just waiting times, recognizing that this can make patients more competitive for receiving necessary interventions.
Dr. Joncas concludes by stressing the need for substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure, including human resources, to ensure sustainable orthopedic care in Quebec. He encourages the public to understand their role in pushing for better health resources and emphasizes that the improvement of the healthcare system requires collective action. The talk is concluded with a call for educational initiatives that empower the public to advocate for necessary changes within the healthcare system.