A new report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business says Canadian physicians spend 18.5 million hours a year on unnecessary administrative work.
Laura Jones, executive vice president of the federation and co-author of the report released today, says these hours equate to approximately 55.6 million doctor visits.
Jones says the report, titled "Patients Before Paperwork," highlights an often overlooked burden faced by physicians as they care for patients.
The report also highlights Nova Scotia as a "standout" province in its attempt to cut red tape in medicine.
Dr. Leisha Hawker, president of Doctors Nova Scotia, says her group has been working with the provincial government since 2019 to identify redundancies in paperwork and shorten medical forms.
Hawker says reducing paperwork can improve patient care and reduce physician burnout.