A recent study highlights significant disparities in access to primary care across Canada’s provinces and territories, revealing that approximately 5.8 million adults are still without a family doctor. Conducted by family physician Dr. Tara Kiran in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, the Our Care survey sheds light on the varying levels of healthcare access, indicating that regions such as New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec face the most challenges compared to provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
The Survey Findings
The Our Care survey collected data from 16,876 adults nationwide, assessing whether they had access to a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner. Alarmingly, New Brunswick reported the lowest figures, with only 65.9% of respondents indicating they had a primary care provider. If this percentage reflects the entire population, it suggests that around 240,000 individuals in the province are without access to essential health services.
Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician practising in New Brunswick, acknowledged the ongoing issue, stating, “It’s not surprising to see that we’re lagging behind other provinces with regards to access to family physicians.” She attributed the shortfall to a lack of investment in primary care in recent years.
In contrast, Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba boasted the highest levels of access, with figures showing that 87.4%, 88.5%, and 88.8% of respondents, respectively, reported having a clinician to rely on. These provinces have made significant strides through investments in team-based care and attractive compensation packages for healthcare professionals, which have likely played a role in drawing doctors to these areas.
The Health Implications
The consequences of insufficient access to primary care can be severe, particularly for those managing chronic conditions. Research from Ontario underscores this reality, revealing that individuals who have been without a family doctor for two or more years face a twelvefold increase in mortality risk, alongside a nearly sixteenfold increase in the chance of premature death.
Dr. Babin articulated her concerns, emphasising that lacking a family doctor can exacerbate health issues, particularly for those with ongoing medical needs. The survey also examined the ability of individuals to access urgent care, revealing that only 37% of respondents felt they could secure timely assistance for pressing health concerns. Ontario surpassed the national average at 44.6%, while provinces like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland fell below the average.
Challenges in After-Hours Care
The survey further revealed that only 31% of Canadians could reach their primary care provider outside of regular office hours for urgent matters. The results suggest that many individuals struggle to access necessary support when they need it most. Dr. Eddy Lang, an emergency room physician in Calgary, noted that while some patients may receive advice late in the evening, many resort to emergency departments out of desperation.
He stated, “If they’re coming to see us, they genuinely feel they have an urgent problem that requires attention.” This highlights a systemic issue where the healthcare system is not adequately designed to provide timely support, leading to increased reliance on emergency services.
Satisfaction with the Primary Care System
Among those who do have access to primary care, the report found that approximately 67% of respondents felt their clinician supported their overall well-being. However, satisfaction levels within the primary care system remain low, with only 27.8% of participants expressing contentment with the current state of affairs.
Dr. Babin remarked, “I think the conclusion is that we haven’t been doing OK for many years, but I think there is optimism.” She emphasised the need for increased investment to improve conditions in primary care and expressed hope for future advancements in healthcare delivery.
Dr. Kiran concluded that satisfaction with primary care extends beyond merely having a clinician. Canadians are seeking timely access, control over their health records, respectful treatment, and the information needed to manage their health effectively. “People are looking not just for a family doctor, but being able to get in in a timely way,” she stated.
Why it Matters
The findings from the Our Care survey underscore a critical reality: access to primary care in Canada is unevenly distributed, leaving millions vulnerable. This disparity not only affects individual health outcomes but also places a strain on the overall healthcare system. As Canada strives for a more equitable healthcare landscape, addressing these gaps in primary care access must be a priority. By investing in healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that all Canadians have reliable access to necessary services, we can work towards a healthier future for everyone.
