Wait times are a symptom of a larger problem, 'champions' recommended.

The report proposes a national network of wait time champions (one per province) to lead the development of best practices throughout provincial health systems. It also proposes that the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation implement a continuing, multidisciplinary educational program for health care professionals, for the purpose of developing wait list management leadership and skills.

The report calls for a transformation that "puts patients at the centre of the system." Postl recommends immediate action for:

* research to support benchmarking and operational improvements;

* adoption of modern management practices and innovations in health systems;

* accelerated implementation of information technology solutions;

* cultural change amongst health professions;

* development of regional surge capacity; and

* public education to support system transformation.

The Postl report warns against becoming so focussed on waiting times that other areas are neglected. Currently, wait times are focussed in five priority areas: cancer, cardiac, diagnostic imaging, joint replacement and sight restoration.

"It is also important to ensure that other diseases and conditions do not become the next areas to see wait times increase. Care must be taken to transform the system so that the efficiencies are experienced across our health care systems and not just within the five areas in which benchmarks have been set. Success for one area should not come at the expense of another."

Other members of the team working with Dr. Postl included: Charlotte Johnson, Director of Canadian Wait Time Project; Vivian Sandberg, Senior Policy Analyst; Anne Janes, Policy Analyst; Cathy Martens, Administrative Support; Tamara Pomanski, Policy Analyst.

www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hcssss/pubs/care-soins