National Human Resources Survey of Clinical Neurophysiologists in Canada

Abstract

Background:Although electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography (EEG) and evoked potential (EP) studies are common investigation tools for patients with neurologic illnesses, no formal data on the manpower supply in Canada exists. Because of the importance of these on training requirements and future planning, the purpose of this study was to establish a comprehensive profile of the human resources situation in clinical neurophysiological services across Canada.Methods:A questionnaire was sent to all clinical neurophysiologists in Canada. To capture the maximal number of respondents, a total of three rounds of mail out were done. In addition, to obtain accurate demographic data on supporting technologists, a separate survey was also carried out by the Association of Electrophysiological Technologists of Canada.Results:Of the 450 clinical neurophysiologists identified and surveyed, the provincial response rate was 59±14% (mean±SD). Of these, the vast majority practiced in urban centres. There was substantial regional disparity in different provinces. While the wait time for most EEG and EP laboratories was less than six weeks, the wait time for EMG was substantially longer. With the age of the largest number of practitioners in their sixth decade, projected retirement over the next 15 years was 58%. The demographic distribution of the supporting technologists showed a similar trend.Conclusions:In addition to considerable regional disparity and urban/rural divide, a large percentage of clinical neurophysiologists and supporting technologists planned to retire within the coming decade. To ensure secure and high standard services to Canadians, solutions to fill this void are urgently needed.

Interpretation of surgical neuromonitoring data in Canada: a survey of practising surgeons

“…Routine electroencephalography (EEG) and nerve conduction velocity studies are performed by a qualified technologist and interpreted by a qualified and trained physician. 4,5 Chan and colleagues 4 identi fied a shortage in manpower at all levels across Canada and reported that this shortage was expected to worsen substantially in the coming years.…”

“…9 There is a welldocumented shortage of clinical neuro physiologists within Canada. 4 The motorevoked poten tial (MEP) is not a routine part of clinical neurophysiol ogy; therefore, there is a limited experience with MEPs among clinicians. In order to provide better coverage of IOM by clinical neurophysiologists in Canada, there needs to be increased training as well as many more neuro physiologists.…”

Neuromonitoring During Surgery for Paediatric Spinal Deformity in Canada (2007)

“…Many of the studies that have examined the risk reduction associated with neuromonitoring during corrective spinal surgery (usually for scoliosis) have used adult (>16 years-of-age) patients who are neurologically intact pre-operatively. In Canada, and many other countries, there is a significant shortage of clinical neurophysiologists 11 and an apparent shortage of suitably trained technologists. Neuromonitoring of children undergoing corrective spinal surgery is potentially more challenging than monitoring of adults.…”

Clinical Neurophysiology Health Human Resources - A Call to Action (but What?)

“…The state of Canadian Adult 2 and Pediatric 3 Neurology workforces and some projections relating to future needs have been well described in this Journal. Now, in this issue, the current state of the clinical neurophysiologist and technologist workforces is comprehensively documented and anticipated shortages in these workforces are outlined in a painstaking study by Chan et al 4 . They describe an aging physician and technologist workforce, significant regional variation in the distribution of providers, and long wait times at least for EMG studies.…”