Elective Pediatric Surgery Wait Times in Northern Ontario

Many current healthcare models are guided by urban practice, which ignores the potential impact on rural communities (3). Rural patients often avoid or delay referral for as long as possible due to impact on family, work, school, travel and associated expenses (1,3). As surgical backlogs are being assessed there is a tendency to prioritize younger children over older ones resulting in increased waiting and potential lifelong effects (2,18). This study is the first of its kind to investigate elective surgical wait times related to patient location and treatment center throughout Ontario.

The aim of this study is to determine the impact of living in Northern Ontario on wait times for children (<18 years of age) undergoing elective surgery in Ontario. We hypothesize that wait times for elective surgery for children from Northern Ontario will be longer, with more patients not meeting the P-CATS access targets than in Southern Ontario. This project will add value to the field of surgery by acknowledging and characterizing current disparities within our province which is the first step to improving quality and patient safety in our province. Highlighting disparity in patient care for rural and northern communities is a critical step in advocating for improved services and human healthcare resources. 



Works cited

1. El Khoudary SR, Aggarwal B, Beckie TM, Hodis HN, Johnson AE, Langer RD, et al. Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Implications for Timing of Early Prevention: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2020 Dec 22;142(25):e506–32.

2. Herb J, Holmes M, Stitzenberg K. Trends in rural-urban disparities among surgical specialties treating cancer, 2004-2017. J Rural Health Off J Am Rural Health Assoc Natl Rural Health Care Assoc. 2022 Sep;38(4):838–44.

3. Government of Ontario M of H and LTC. Rural and Northern Health Care Framework - MOHLTC [Internet]. Government of Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; [cited 2023 Jan 18]. Available from: https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ruralnorthern/report.aspx