A comprehensive new report highlights the stark differences in primary care access across Canada, revealing that approximately 5.8 million adults are still without a family doctor. The Our Care survey, led by Toronto family physician Dr. Tara Kiran in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, underscores that while some provinces like Ontario and Manitoba boast high access rates, others, particularly in the Atlantic region, face significant challenges.
Disparities in Access to Primary Care
The survey, which gathered responses from 16,876 adults nationwide, found that access to a regular family physician or nurse practitioner varies dramatically by region. In New Brunswick, for instance, only 65.9 per cent of participants reported having a primary care clinician, translating to an estimated 240,000 residents lacking this essential health resource. Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in New Brunswick, acknowledged the concerning reality, noting, “It’s not surprising to see that we’re lagging behind other provinces with regards to access to family physicians.”
In contrast, provinces such as Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba reported significantly higher access rates, with 87.4 per cent, 88.5 per cent, and 88.8 per cent of respondents respectively confirming they had a clinician. Dr. Kiran attributes these disparities to factors such as better funding for team-based care and improved compensation for healthcare professionals in these provinces.
The Health Implications of Limited Access
The lack of a family doctor can have dire consequences for Canadians, particularly those with chronic health conditions. A recent study from Ontario indicates that individuals with multiple chronic illnesses who are without a family doctor for two years or more are at a staggering 12-fold increased risk of death, with nearly a 16-fold greater chance of dying prematurely. Dr. Babin emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “The fact there has not been much investment in primary care in New Brunswick has definitely contributed to us lagging behind.”
The survey also explored the ability of Canadians to receive timely care for urgent health concerns. Nationally, only 37 per cent reported being able to access care the same or following day when needed, with Ontario performing better at 44.6 per cent, while several provinces, including Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, fell below the national average.
The Need for Systemic Change
Dr. Kiran pointed out that the challenges in accessing timely care are largely systemic, stating, “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 advocates for increased investment in inter-professional teams to enhance the capacity of family doctors and nurse practitioners.
The report also examined after-hours care accessibility, revealing that only 31 per cent of Canadians could receive assistance from their primary care clinics outside of regular weekday hours. This statistic highlights the need for better support systems, particularly in regions where healthcare resources are already stretched thin.
Patient Satisfaction and Future Prospects
Despite having access to primary care, patient satisfaction remains disappointingly low, with only 27.8 per cent of respondents expressing contentment with the current system. Dr. Kiran notes that satisfaction is not solely about having a clinician but also encompasses timely access, respectful treatment, and the ability to manage one’s health information effectively.
Dr. Babin remains hopeful about the future, suggesting that with increased investments, there could be a significant improvement in access and satisfaction. “I remain optimistic that we’re going to see a difference,” she said, reflecting a commitment to advocating for necessary changes in the healthcare landscape.
Why it Matters
The findings from the Our Care survey illuminate the urgent need for a cohesive national strategy to improve access to primary care across Canada. With millions of Canadians still struggling to secure a family doctor, the implications for public health are profound. Addressing these disparities is not just a matter of equity; it is crucial for ensuring the overall well-being of the population. As policymakers consider reforms, the voices of healthcare professionals and patients must guide efforts to create a more accessible and efficient healthcare system.
