A recent study has shed light on the significant disparities in access to primary care across Canada, revealing that approximately 5.8 million adults remain without a family doctor. The report, based on the Our Care survey conducted by Dr. Tara Kiran, a family physician based in Toronto, in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, highlights stark differences in healthcare access depending on the province or territory. Particularly concerning are the findings that show regions like New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island lag behind provinces such as Ontario and Alberta.
Disparities in Access
The Our Care survey, which gathered responses from 16,876 Canadian adults, investigated whether individuals had a regular family doctor, nurse practitioner, or a primary care facility for their healthcare needs. Alarmingly, New Brunswick ranked among the lowest, with only 65.9 per cent of respondents indicating they had access to a primary care clinician. If this percentage is reflective of the entire population, it suggests that roughly 240,000 residents are without a family doctor.
Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in New Brunswick, expressed her concerns, 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 recent years has certainly contributed to this situation.”
In contrast, provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba reported much higher figures, with 87.4 per cent, 88.5 per cent, and 88.8 per cent of respondents respectively confirming they had a primary care provider. This discrepancy raises critical questions about the allocation of healthcare resources across Canada.
Factors Influencing Access
Dr. Kiran highlighted several factors that could contribute to the uneven distribution of primary care access. Increased investment in team-based care, as seen in Ontario and Alberta, has likely played a role in attracting healthcare professionals to those provinces. This investment is crucial, as it not only enhances patient care but also supports the well-being of the healthcare workforce.
The survey also examined how quickly individuals could receive care for urgent health concerns. Nationally, only 37 per cent of respondents felt they could obtain timely assistance, with Ontario slightly surpassing this average at 44.6 per cent. Regions such as Nova Scotia and Newfoundland reported even lower rates, indicating that systemic inefficiencies persist across the healthcare landscape.
“It’s not that healthcare providers are unwilling to help; rather, our systems are not structured to facilitate timely access,” Dr. Kiran remarked. She advocates for a more robust investment in inter-professional teams that could alleviate some of these pressures, ultimately enhancing the capacity of family doctors and nurse practitioners.
The Health Implications of Inaccessibility
The consequences of lacking a family doctor can be dire, particularly for individuals managing chronic health conditions. Research from Ontario supports Dr. Babin’s observations, revealing that individuals with multiple chronic ailments who went without a family doctor for two or more years faced 12-fold higher odds of death and an almost 16-fold higher risk of premature death.
Additionally, the report revealed that only 31 per cent of Canadians could access urgent care outside of regular office hours through their primary care clinics. This gap in after-hours service further complicates an already strained system, where patients often resort to emergency departments for issues that could be managed in primary care settings.
Satisfaction with Primary Care
Despite the challenges, the survey found that 67 per cent of those with access to a primary care provider felt supported in their general well-being. However, overall satisfaction with the primary care system remains low, with only 27.8 per cent of respondents expressing contentment with its operation.
Dr. Babin acknowledged that while the findings signal long-standing issues within the system, there is room for optimism. She stated, “We haven’t been doing OK for many years, but I believe there is hope. With the right investments, we can make significant improvements.”
Dr. Kiran added that patient satisfaction is more than just having a family doctor; it encompasses timely access, the ability to manage one’s health information, and being treated with dignity. “People are looking for more than just a clinician; they want a healthcare experience that empowers them,” she noted.
Why it Matters
The findings of this report illuminate the critical state of primary care access across Canada, underscoring the urgent need for targeted investments and strategic reforms in healthcare delivery. With millions of Canadians lacking a family doctor, the implications for public health are profound. Access to timely and quality care is crucial for not only individual health outcomes but also for the overall effectiveness of the healthcare system. Addressing these disparities is essential for fostering a healthier nation, ensuring that every Canadian has the opportunity to receive the care they deserve.
