From Financialpost · · 1m 30s
Your Postal Code Determines COPD Care in Canada
Canada’s healthcare system still lets where you live affect COPD care quality, according to new national index.
In brief
Canada’s healthcare system still lets where you live affect COPD care quality, according to new national index. Canada’s COPD care quality varies by region, with no national strategy to address gaps. Originally reported by Financialpost.
COPD Care Gaps in Canada
Lung Health Foundation’s Canadian COPD Performance Index reveals significant shortfalls in COPD care across the country.
COPD Burden in Canada
More than two million Canadians live with COPD, causing 76,968 hospital stays in 2024 alone, averaging 7.3 days each.
COPD Care Variations
COPD care quality varies widely by province and territory, with no national strategy to address these gaps.
New Brunswick’s Profile
New Brunswick has the highest concentration of respiratory therapists (53.5 per 100,000) but no dedicated COPD strategy.
Ontario’s Profile
Ontario leads in primary care access with 11.5% of residents without a regular provider, but lacks a province-wide COPD strategy.
Alberta’s Profile
Alberta has a below-average COPD prevalence (9.1%) but higher hospitalization costs ($8,652 per patient).
Prince Edward Island’s Profile
Prince Edward Island reports the lowest primary care access (38.3% without a regular provider) and higher COPD hospitalization rates.
Nunavut’s Profile
Nunavut has the highest COPD prevalence (20.5%) and lowest respiratory therapist density (48.6 per 100,000).
National Gaps
Pulmonary rehabilitation is concentrated in urban hospitals, with no public data on spirometry access or wait times across Canada.
The essence
Canada’s COPD care quality varies by region, with no national strategy to address gaps.
