A recent report has unveiled significant regional disparities in access to family doctors across Canada, as efforts continue to enhance primary care services. The findings, stemming from the Our Care survey led by Toronto-based family physician Dr. Tara Kiran in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, indicate that approximately 5.8 million Canadian adults lack access to a primary care provider. The survey reveals stark differences among provinces and territories, exposing a fragmented healthcare landscape that raises concerns for overall public health.
Survey Insights: A Mixed Picture
The survey, which gathered responses from 16,876 adults nationwide, asked participants whether they had a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner. The results show that residents in provinces such as New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island face particularly high barriers to primary care. In New Brunswick, for instance, only 65.9 per cent of respondents reported having a primary care clinician, suggesting that around 240,000 individuals may be without a family doctor.
Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in New Brunswick, expressed concern regarding the province’s performance, attributing the lack of access to insufficient investments in primary care. “It’s not surprising that we’re lagging behind other provinces when it comes to access to family physicians,” she stated.
Conversely, provinces such as 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 had a clinician. Dr. Kiran pointed out that these differences could be linked to various factors, including investments in team-based care and better remuneration, which attract healthcare professionals to these regions.
The Impact of Limited Access
The implications of not having a family doctor extend beyond inconvenience. A recent study from Ontario revealed alarming statistics: individuals with multiple chronic conditions who lacked a family doctor for two or more years faced a twelvefold increase in mortality risk and a nearly sixteenfold increase in the likelihood of premature death. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare reform that prioritises accessibility.
The survey further assessed whether individuals could obtain care for urgent health concerns within the same day. Nationally, only 37 per cent of respondents reported having this capability, with Ontario performing slightly better at 44.6 per cent. In contrast, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and the Northwest Territories fell below the national average. Dr. Kiran remarked, “It’s not that physicians do not wish to provide adequate care; rather, our current systems are not designed to facilitate timely access.”
After-Hours Care and Patient Satisfaction
The report also examined after-hours care, revealing that merely 31 per cent of Canadians could reach someone from their primary care clinic for urgent issues outside regular hours. Regions like British Columbia and Alberta ranked significantly lower than the national average in this regard. Dr. Eddy Lang, an emergency room physician in Calgary, highlighted the importance of emergency services, noting that patients often approach emergency departments with genuine concerns requiring immediate attention.
Despite these challenges, the report found that among those with access to primary care, about 67 per cent felt their clinicians supported their general well-being. However, overall satisfaction with the primary care system remains low, with only 27.8 per cent of Canadians expressing contentment with how the system operates.
Dr. Babin reflected on the findings, suggesting that although the system has faced issues for many years, there is room for optimism. “With the right investments and strategies, we can see meaningful improvements in access and satisfaction,” she stated.
A Comprehensive Approach to Primary Care
Dr. Kiran emphasised that access to a family doctor is just one aspect of a robust healthcare system. Canadians are increasingly seeking timely appointments, access to their health records, and respectful, empowering interactions with their healthcare providers. “People are looking for more than just a family doctor; they want a system that meets their needs effectively,” she noted.
To address these disparities, experts agree that a multi-faceted approach is essential, including increased funding for primary care infrastructure and the promotion of collaborative care teams. By prioritising these changes, Canada can move towards a more equitable healthcare system that benefits all citizens.
Why it Matters
The findings of the Our Care survey shine a critical light on the systemic inequalities in Canada’s healthcare system, revealing how access to primary care varies dramatically across provinces and territories. These disparities not only jeopardise the health of millions but also highlight the urgent need for policy reforms that prioritise equitable access to healthcare. Improving access to family doctors is not just a matter of convenience; it is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of Canadians, particularly those with chronic conditions who are most vulnerable. Addressing these issues will require a concerted effort from government, healthcare providers, and communities to build a more inclusive and responsive healthcare system.
