14 Understanding the Paediatric Workforce in British Columbia: A Survey of B.C. Paediatricians

Abstract Background In some areas of British Columbia, accessing consulting paediatric care is particularly challenging. Attracting paediatricians to all regions of the province is critical to ensure equitable access. Objectives In order to understand the current and intended future work patterns of B.C.’s community general paediatricians better, the BC Pediatric Society developed an online survey. Design/Methods A 22-question survey was distributed electronically in late 2019 to 427 paediatricians (BC Pediatric Society members and University of British Columbia Department of Pediatrics clinical faculty). The survey asked respondents about what factors influenced where they chose to practice, the nature of their clinical work, engagement in administration and education, time spent on various work responsibilities, source(s) of income, future practice plans and plans for retirement. The data was evaluated as a whole and was stratified based on gender, region of practice, size of community, and number of years in practice. Results 153 surveys were completed (response rate 35.8%). Surveys completed by general paediatricians practicing in locations other than BC Children’s Hospital and not working in a locum capacity were included. 94 (61.4%) completed surveys met inclusion criteria. 70% of these respondents identified as female. 72% worked in communities with populations of 300,000 or less (16% in communities of 50,000 or less and 56% in communities of 50,001 to 300,000). 25% had been in practice for 0 to 5 years, 40% for 6 to 20 years and 28% for over 20 years. Of the 94 respondents, only 7.4% were providing primary care paediatrics. The median reported time spent on various aspects of work were: 55 hours per week total time spent working, 19 days per month direct clinical care, and 25 hours per month indirect clinical care. The responses identified some differences based on community size; paediatricians in small communities (population 50,000 or less) reported the median time spent “on call” was 168 hours per month, compared to 48 hours per month reported by those in large communities (population over 300,000). 36% of respondents stated that they planned to retire within the next 10 years; this was true for only 23% of those in large communities (population >300,000). Conclusion This study provides information about the nature of B.C. community general paediatricians’ work and identifies some differences between paediatricians in large cities and those in medium-sized or small communities. The results should inform discussions about the paediatric workforce and how best to address potential future gaps in in B.C.

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