A newly released report sheds light on the stark differences in access to primary healthcare across Canada, revealing that approximately 5.8 million adults remain without a family doctor. The findings, derived from the “Our Care” survey led by Dr. Tara Kiran of Toronto, in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, underline a fragmented healthcare system that varies significantly by province and territory.
The State of Primary Care Access
The survey, which gathered responses from 16,876 Canadian adults, asked participants whether they had a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner. The results indicate that access to primary care is particularly limited in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and some territories. In New Brunswick, for instance, only 65.9 per cent of respondents reported having a primary care clinician, suggesting that around 240,000 individuals in the province are without a regular source of healthcare.
Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in New Brunswick, commented on these alarming statistics, 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 over the years has undoubtedly contributed to our struggles.”
In contrast, provinces like 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, indicating they have a primary care clinician. Dr. Kiran noted that factors such as investments in team-based care and improved remuneration for doctors in these provinces likely contribute to their success in providing accessible healthcare.
The Consequences of Limited Access
The implications of lacking a family doctor can be severe, particularly for individuals with chronic health conditions. A recent study from Ontario found that residents with multiple chronic illnesses who were without a family doctor for two years or more faced a staggering 12-fold increase in mortality risk, as well as a nearly 16-fold increase in the likelihood of premature death.
The CMA report also examined the ability of individuals with a clinician to receive care for urgent concerns. Nationally, only 37 per cent of respondents felt they could obtain timely care, with Ontario performing slightly better at 44.6 per cent. However, provinces like Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories reported lower-than-average access to urgent care.
Dr. Kiran emphasised the need for systemic changes, stating, “It’s not that doctors are unwilling; our healthcare systems simply aren’t designed to facilitate quick access for patients.” She advocates for increased investment in inter-professional teams to enhance the capacity of family doctors and nurse practitioners.
After-Hours Care and Patient Satisfaction
The report also explored after-hours care, revealing that merely 31 per cent of Canadians reported being able to receive assistance for urgent issues outside of regular weekday hours. Regions such as British Columbia, Alberta, and several Atlantic provinces fell significantly short of the national average in this area.
Dr. Eddy Lang, an emergency room physician in Calgary, highlighted the challenges faced by patients seeking urgent care, stating, “When patients come to us, they genuinely believe they have an urgent issue that needs addressing.”
Despite the concerning data, the report noted that among those with access to primary care, approximately 67 per cent felt that their clinician supported their overall well-being. Yet, overall satisfaction with the healthcare system remained low, with only 27.8 per cent of Canadians expressing contentment with the current state of primary care.
Optimism for Future Improvements
Dr. Babin expressed cautious optimism regarding the future of primary care in Canada, asserting, “We haven’t been doing well for many years, but there is a sense of hope. With continued investment, we can make significant strides.” Dr. Kiran echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of timely access, patient respect, and the ability for individuals to manage their own health through accessible information.
As Canadians increasingly seek comprehensive and timely healthcare, the findings of this report should serve as a clarion call for policymakers at all levels to address these disparities urgently.
Why it Matters
The stark inequities in primary care access across Canada illustrate the urgent need for a cohesive national strategy to ensure that all Canadians, regardless of their location, receive the healthcare they deserve. The reported disparities not only threaten individual health outcomes but also place an enormous strain on the healthcare system as a whole. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering a healthier population and reducing the long-term costs associated with inadequate healthcare access.
