A recent report underscores significant disparities in Canadians’ access to primary healthcare, revealing that approximately 5.8 million adults lack a family doctor. Conducted by Dr. Tara Kiran, a family physician in Toronto, in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, the Our Care survey indicates that access to primary care is unevenly distributed across the country, with provinces like New Brunswick and Newfoundland falling particularly short compared to others such as Ontario and Alberta.
Disparities in Access
The survey, which collected responses from 16,876 adults nationwide, found that New Brunswick has one of the lowest access rates, with only 65.9 per cent of respondents reporting a relationship with a primary care clinician. This statistic implies that around 240,000 residents may be without essential healthcare services. Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in New Brunswick, expressed concern over the ongoing lack of investment in primary care, which has exacerbated the province’s struggles in retaining healthcare providers.
Conversely, provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba report much higher access rates, with 87.4 per cent, 88.5 per cent, and 88.8 per cent of residents, respectively, indicating they have a primary care clinician. The report suggests that factors such as team-based care models and competitive compensation packages may be drawing healthcare professionals to those regions.
The Health Consequences of Lack of Access
The implications of not having a family doctor can be severe, particularly for those with chronic conditions. A study from Ontario highlighted that individuals with multiple chronic illnesses who go without a family doctor for two years or more face a twelve-fold increase in mortality risks. Dr. Babin noted that limited access can lead to deteriorating health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations reliant on consistent medical care.
The CMA report also examined the availability of urgent care, revealing that only 37 per cent of Canadians with a primary care clinician could access care for urgent concerns on the same or following day. While Ontario fared better than the national average at 44.6 per cent, provinces like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland lagged behind, indicating a systemic issue in timely care provision.
The Need for Systemic Change
Dr. Kiran emphasised the need for systemic improvements to ensure that all Canadians have timely access to necessary healthcare services. “It’s not that doctors don’t want to see patients; the systems in place make it challenging,” she explained. To remedy this, she advocates for increased investment in inter-professional teams to enhance the capacity and efficiency of family doctors and nurse practitioners.
The survey also examined after-hours care, showing that only 31 per cent of Canadians reported being able to receive urgent assistance outside regular clinic hours. This statistic highlights a critical gap in healthcare provision, particularly for those who may require immediate attention.
Patient Satisfaction and Future Optimism
Despite these challenges, the report found that among those with access to primary care, approximately 67 per cent of patients felt their clinician supported their overall well-being. However, satisfaction with the current system remains low, with only 27.8 per cent of respondents expressing contentment with their primary care experience.
Dr. Babin noted that while the situation has not improved significantly over the years, there is a sense of optimism about the potential for change. “We need to focus on making the most of the investments we currently have,” she said. Dr. Kiran reinforced that access to a family doctor is only one aspect of healthcare; patients also seek timely appointments, respectful treatment, and the empowerment to manage their health effectively.
Why it Matters
The findings of the Our Care survey reveal that the challenges faced by Canadians in accessing primary care are not merely administrative but are intricately linked to health outcomes and overall quality of life. With millions still lacking adequate healthcare, the need for a concerted effort to reform and invest in primary care is more pressing than ever. Addressing these disparities will not only improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes but also ensure that all Canadians can enjoy the right to health as a fundamental part of their citizenship.
