A recent report has unveiled significant disparities in access to primary healthcare across Canadian provinces and territories, revealing that approximately 5.8 million adults lack a family doctor. The findings, derived from the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) Our Care survey, underscore the varied experiences of Canadians when it comes to obtaining primary care, with notable differences between regions.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
The CMA survey, which gathered responses from 16,876 Canadian adults, sought to determine whether individuals had a regular family doctor, nurse practitioner, or a primary care facility for their healthcare needs. Alarmingly, the results indicate that regions such as New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and two territories lag behind in access compared to provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
In New Brunswick, for instance, only 65.9 per cent of respondents reported having a primary care clinician, suggesting that roughly 240,000 residents may be without essential medical support. Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in the province, expressed concern over these findings, stating, “It’s not surprising to see that we’re lagging behind other provinces regarding access to family physicians. The lack of investment in primary care in New Brunswick over recent years has certainly contributed to this situation.”
Provincial Disparities in Access
Contrastingly, Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba reported much higher access rates, with 87.4 per cent, 88.5 per cent, and 88.8 per cent of respondents, respectively, stating they had a clinician. Dr. Tara Kiran, involved in the CMA survey, attributes these discrepancies to factors such as investment in team-based care and better remuneration for healthcare professionals, which are more prevalent in those provinces.
The lack of a family doctor is not merely a logistical issue; it poses significant health risks. Research from Ontario indicates that individuals with multiple chronic conditions who went without a family doctor for two years or more faced 12-fold higher odds of death and nearly 16-fold higher chances of premature death. This stark statistic highlights the critical importance of accessible primary care in safeguarding public health.
Urgent Care Access and Satisfaction Levels
The CMA’s report also assessed the ability of those with a clinician to receive care for urgent issues on the same or following day. Nationally, only 37 per cent reported that they could access timely care, with Ontario showing a slightly better rate at 44.6 per cent. However, regions such as Nova Scotia and Newfoundland fell below the national average.
Dr. Kiran pointed out that the inability to provide timely care often stems from systemic design flaws rather than a lack of willingness from physicians. “It’s not that the doctor doesn’t want to do a good job and see the patient; it’s just that we haven’t designed our systems to be able to make that easy,” she explained.
The report also revealed that only 31 per cent of respondents reported being able to receive urgent care outside regular hours from their primary care clinics. This gap in after-hours support further exacerbates the problems faced by Canadians seeking immediate medical attention.
Patient Satisfaction and Future Outlook
While the report found that 67 per cent of those with primary care access felt their clinician supported their general well-being, overall satisfaction with the primary care system remains low. Only 27.8 per cent of Canadians expressed contentment with their primary care services. Dr. Babin remarked, “The conclusion is that we haven’t been doing OK for many years, but I think there is optimism. We just have to keep investing and doing as much as we can with the resources we currently have.”
Dr. Kiran echoed this sentiment, noting that patient satisfaction transcends mere access to a clinician. “People are looking not just for a family doctor, but for timely access, the ability to view their medical records, respectful treatment, and empowerment in managing their own health,” she emphasised.
Why it Matters
The disparities in access to primary care in Canada not only reflect systemic inefficiencies but also pose tangible risks to the health and well-being of millions. As the nation grapples with these challenges, it is imperative for policymakers to prioritise investments in primary care systems that ensure equitable access for all Canadians. The health of the population relies on a robust and responsive healthcare framework that meets the diverse needs of communities across the country, ultimately fostering a healthier, more equitable society.
