Defining the Arthritis Crisis
There is a crisis in arthritis.We do not have enough specialists or other health care providers in Canada to care for people with arthritis.
Levels of arthritis care vary dramatically across the country. Poor or delayed care often results in disability and joint deformity. This leads to personal tragedy for individuals and their families and to unnecessary costs to our health care system.
The shortage of health providers means that, in many instances, the needs of people with arthritis are not being met. There are lengthy delays to get an appointment with health providers, as well as long wait times for joint replacement surgery and new medications are not being listed equally on all provincial formularies. People with arthritis often do not have access to specially trained multidisciplanary care teams (rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, social workers, and psychologists).
The number of people with arthritis is growing and is estimated to increase at the rate of one million more Canadians per decade, at least until the year 2031. In spite of the growing numbers of people with arthritis, the number of rheumatologists (physicians trained to diagnose and treat arthritis) is decreasing at an alarming rate. There are currently only 270 rheumatologists in Canada instead of the 443 that are needed!
