Saving time by simplifying, standardizing or eliminating sick notes and medical certifications
The problem
Doctors are commonly asked by third parties for sick notes and various other forms of medical certifications, such as accommodation notes and return-to-work forms, all of which vary depending on who’s asking for it. This means doctors often spend hours filling out multiple forms requesting similar information in very different formats. According to Doctors Manitoba, physicians in the province on average spend 10+ hours per week on administrative tasks. Almost half of this time is deemed unnecessary or spent inefficiently.
The solution
Through this initiative, Doctors Manitoba aims to create clear guidance on sick notes to inform employer policies, collective agreements, or government regulations, with a goal to eliminate sick note requests where medical expertise is not adding meaningful value. They are also aiming to create a universal set of standard forms for common third-party requests and identifying electronic solutions to further simplify the process for these forms.
"Paperwork and other administrative tasks are soul crushing for doctors. Not just because they take us away from seeing our patients, but because we know so many of these tasks are either unnecessary or could be done in a much simpler or more efficient way. Sick notes and other common third-party requests are a major burden for physicians, and we have to find a better way."
The innovators
Founded in 1908, Doctors Manitoba represents physicians and medical learners in Manitoba. They aim to strengthen and support the whole physician, including their economic, mental, physical and professional well-being.