Administrative Burden Reduction

The issue

Ontario family physicians report spending an average of 2–3 hours per day on administrative tasks unrelated to direct patient care. This includes completing third-party forms, managing prior authorizations, handling fax-based referrals and navigating disconnected health information systems.

Why it matters

Every hour spent on unnecessary administration is an hour not spent with patients. This reduces the effective capacity of the physician workforce, contributes to burnout and accelerates early retirement.

What OCFP is recommending

OCFP has identified four systemic changes that would meaningfully reduce administrative burden without compromising clinical quality or patient safety.

Progress

OCFP has been working with the Ontario Medical Association, the Ministry of Health and digital health partners to advance connected records, standardized referral processes and reduced form burden. Progress is incremental, but measurable.