The president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association says the province’s physicians have spoken. Dr. Eben Strydom says over half of the respondents indicated they intend to reduce their clinical hours in the next two years.   An SMA survey conducted in February indicates its membership believes that medicine has been affected by the duration and persistence of the pandemic, and its impacts on the health system.

He notes that the mental health of physicians has suffered in the pandemic, and the majority who who responded feel their jobs are less satisfying and their voices haven’t been heard. They are also concerned about the health of patients with non-COVID needs.

He considers the results of this survey worrisome, and suggests physicians need supports now more than ever, because the pandemic is still with us and cases in the hospital are high.

The top concern from respondents was a lack of physician voice in the pandemic response at 76 per cent, followed by concern for the health of patients with non-COVID needs at 60 per cent, concern for their own or their families’ safety and health at 43 per cent. Dr. Strydom says, “Health leaders should listen to physicians, implement policies and procedures that provide optimal care for both their COVID and non-COVID patients, strengthen channels of communication, and foster collegiality among health care workers.”