Variability of the pediatric subspecialty workforce in Canada

Abstract

Objective: To assess the regional variability of the pediatric subspecialty workforce in the academic health science centers in Canada, because effective and efficient delivery of specialized pediatric health care depends on the pediatrician workforce.

Study design: This was an analysis of the pediatric subspecialty workforce database of the Pediatric Chairs of Canada for the surveys obtained between 2003/04 and 2005/06.

Results: In 2003/2004, 960 pediatrician specialists who spent a majority of their time supporting clinical, educational, research, and administrative activities within the 16 Canadian medical schools were reported. In 2004/05, this figure was 1044, and in 2005/06, it was 1140. The growth was due predominantly to increases in physician workforce in the fields of emergency medicine, respiratory medicine, and neonatology. The average academic pediatric workforce, excluding general pediatricians, increased from 12.86/100 000 child population in 2003/04 to 13.99 in 2004/05 and 15.27 in 2005/06. Substantial regional variability exists, with 4-fold differences in academic pediatrician workforce among the low-supply provinces (Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Ontario) and high-supply provinces for both total workforce and subspecialists.

Conclusions: The substantial variability in the supply of pediatric subspecialists across Canada requires additional analysis to determine any relationship to child health outcomes.