The CMA conducts research to inform our work with physicians and medical learners, and to advance a better future of health, the health workforce and the health system at a national level. We also share our results to support the work of stakeholders including partner organizations, researchers, educators and governments.
Visit the Digital Library to access more reports
National Physician Health Survey
The CMA’s National Physician Health Survey (NPHS) is conducted on a three-to-four-year cycle to better understand the experiences of doctors and medical learners. The survey generates an up-to-date and relevant dataset to inform the CMA’s advocacy and wellness initiatives and work by external stakeholders.
Significantly, this study uses an equity lens to examine the health and wellness of specific at-risk subgroups, which helps identify relevant system-level changes.
- 2021 National Physician Health Survey: Foundational report
- Reports analyzing data from the 2021 NPHS
Access previous NPHS reports
Health Summit Report
October 2023 | Access the Health Summit Report
More than 700 participants joined the CMA in August at the annual Health Summit. Held in Ottawa and online, the 2023 theme was What Health Care Should Be, with speakers including federal Health Minister Mark Holland, author Timothy Caulfield, pollster Shachi Kurl and Drs. Tara Kiran, Courtney Howard and Nel Wieman. Panels and discussions covered issues ranging from why Canada needs more team-based care to physicians’ role in fighting climate change and health misinformation to improving health worker wellbeing through reduced administrative burden and cultural safety.
Improving Accountability in Health Care for Canadians
July 2023 | Access the report for the Improving Accountability in Health Care for Canadians
The CMA developed a series of ambitious targets that governments can use to drive health system improvements. These targets build on the conditions included in the 2023 federal, provincial and territorial bilateral agreements on health. They also build on solutions the CMA has long been advocating for such as pan-Canadian health workforce planning, scaling up team-based primary care, and expanding the mobility of health professionals.
Pan-Canadian Licensure Survey: Summary Report
January 2023 | Access the report for the Pan-Canadian Licensure Survey: Summary Report
In a survey of members in November 2022, the CMA finds overwhelming support for national licensure to improve access to care, enhance the use of locums and temporary placements, and make Canada a better place to work for physicians.
Measures to Address Health System Challenges: Review of Canadian, Provincial and Territorial 2022 Budgets
September 2022 | Access the report for the Measures to Address Health System Challenges: Review of Canadian, Provincial and Territorial 2022 Budgets
In a first-of-its-kind report on health spending across the country, the CMA finds shared priorities – and a path for political leaders to take action, together, to stabilize a health system in crisis, and transform it for the future.
Continuity of Care in the Context of Primary and Episodic Care
March 2022 | Access the report for the Continuity of Care in the Context of Primary and Episodic Care
The pandemic jumpstarted the adoption of virtually delivered medical care. This study, commissioned by the CMA and conducted by Ipsos, sought to gain a better understanding of Canadians’ perceptions of virtual care, and the benefits and costs it poses when compared to traditional primary care. Ultimately, these findings are intended to provide guidance to physicians as they adapt to the public’s changing needs.
Virtual care in Canada: Progress and potential
February 2022 | Access the report for the Virtual care in Canada: Progress and potential
Based on its review of developments in virtual care since the release of its 2020 report and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virtual Care Task Force – a collaboration of the CMA, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and the College of Family Physicians of Canada – re-emphasized two of its initial recommendations and put forward four new ones for how to optimally incorporate virtual care into the Canadian health system.
A struggling system: Understanding the health care impacts of the pandemic
November 2021 | Access the report for A struggling system: Understanding the health care impacts of the pandemic
From delayed or missed treatments to a significant increase in the incidence of mental health and substance use disorders, the COVID-19 virus has had dire consequences beyond the immediate loss of life and illness. This report, commissioned by the CMA and conducted by Deloitte, provides a stark overview of the broader impact the pandemic has had on the health of Canadians.
Majority of Canadians planning to use virtual care post-pandemic
August 2021 | Access the report for the Majority of Canadians planning to use virtual care post-pandemic
This 2021 National Survey of Canadian Physicians, conducted in partnership with Canada Health Infoway, showed strong indications that virtual care is here to stay. While the pandemic accelerated its adoption, this report highlights the work still needed to ensure quality care and equitable access.
Pandemic Perspectives on Long-Term Care: Insights from Canadians in Light of COVID-19
March 2021 | Access the report for the Pandemic Perspectives on Long-Term Care: Insights from Canadians in Light of COVID-19
The high proportion of COVID-19 deaths in long-term care settings at the onset of the pandemic brought widespread public attention to Canada’s systems. This report, produced in collaboration with the National Institute on Ageing (NIA), provides insights on Canadians’ views on long-term care considering the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued impact.