A recent report sheds light on the significant disparities in access to primary healthcare across Canada, revealing that approximately 5.8 million adults remain without a family doctor. Conducted by Dr. Tara Kiran in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, the Our Care survey indicates that the availability of primary care services varies dramatically among provinces and territories, with regions like New Brunswick and Newfoundland facing particularly challenging conditions.
Varied Access Across Canada
The findings of the survey, which gathered responses from over 16,000 Canadians, indicate that access to primary care is not uniform across the nation. New Brunswick ranked lowest, with only 65.9 per cent of respondents reporting they had a regular primary care provider. This situation suggests that approximately 240,000 individuals in the province lack access to essential healthcare services.
Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in New Brunswick, expressed concern over these figures, stating, “It’s not surprising to see that we’re lagging behind other provinces with regards to access to family physicians. The lack of investment in primary care in New Brunswick over the past years has definitely contributed to us lagging behind.”
In contrast, provinces such as Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba reported significantly higher access rates, with percentages of 87.4, 88.5, and 88.8 respectively. Kiran noted that factors such as investment in team-based care and competitive compensation for healthcare professionals could explain these disparities.
Health Implications of Limited Access
The implications of not having a family doctor extend far beyond convenience. Chronic health issues can worsen without consistent medical oversight. A recent study highlighted that Ontarians with multiple chronic conditions who went without a family doctor for two or more years faced a twelve-fold increase in mortality risk, alongside a nearly sixteen-fold higher chance of premature death.
Dr. Babin emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “The lack of a family doctor can lead to significant health complications, particularly for those with ongoing health issues.”
Challenges in Urgent Care Access
The report also examined the ability of Canadians to receive timely care for urgent health concerns. Nationally, only 37 per cent of respondents indicated they could access urgent care the same or the following day. While Ontario performed slightly better than the national average at 44.6 per cent, provinces like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland fell below average.
Kiran pointed out that systemic issues rather than individual practitioners’ willingness to help are at the core of these challenges. “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 remarked. Improving access, she suggested, would require increased investment in inter-professional teams to enhance the capacity of family doctors and nurse practitioners.
Patient Satisfaction and the Path Forward
Despite the reported access issues, the survey found that among those with a primary care provider, about 67 per cent felt supported in their overall well-being. However, satisfaction with the primary care system remains alarmingly low, with only 27.8 per cent of respondents expressing contentment with their care.
Babin remains cautiously optimistic about the future, stating, “I think we haven’t been doing okay for many years, but there is hope. If we can secure the necessary investments, I believe we can make a difference.” Kiran echoed this sentiment, noting that patient care extends beyond simply having a family doctor. “People want timely access to care, the ability to manage their health records, and to be treated with respect. They seek to feel empowered in their healthcare journey.”
Why it Matters
The findings from the Our Care survey underscore a critical issue within Canada’s healthcare landscape: access to primary care is not just a matter of availability but also of quality and timely support. The stark differences among provinces highlight the urgent need for a national conversation about healthcare reform, focusing on equitable access for all Canadians. Addressing these disparities is essential not only for improving individual health outcomes but also for strengthening the overall healthcare system in Canada.
