As Canadian authorities strive to enhance access to family physicians, a recent report reveals significant disparities across provinces and territories. The Our Care survey, led by Toronto-based family physician Dr. Tara Kiran in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, uncovers that approximately 5.8 million adults remain without consistent access to primary care. The findings indicate that residents of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and two territories face notably higher barriers to obtaining healthcare compared to those in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
A Glimpse into the Findings
The survey, which gathered insights from 16,876 adults nationwide, assessed whether individuals had a regular family doctor, nurse practitioner, or a designated primary care setting. Alarmingly, New Brunswick reported only 65.9 per cent of participants having access to a primary care clinician, translating to an estimated 240,000 individuals potentially lacking a family doctor.
Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician from New Brunswick, expressed concern over the province’s lagging performance in terms of physician access. “The numbers have consistently indicated our struggle, and the lack of investment in primary care in recent years has certainly played a role,” she stated.
In stark contrast, provinces such as Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba reported significantly higher percentages of residents with access to a clinician—87.4 per cent, 88.5 per cent, and 88.8 per cent respectively. Dr. Kiran noted that several factors could contribute to these discrepancies, including financial investment in team-based care and competitive remuneration that attracts healthcare professionals to certain regions.
The Consequences of Limited Access
The implications of not having a family doctor extend beyond inconvenience; they can severely impact health outcomes, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions. Supporting this assertion, a recent Ontario study revealed that residents with multiple chronic ailments who lacked a family doctor for two or more years had a staggering 12-fold increase in the likelihood of death, alongside a nearly 16-fold rise in chances of premature mortality.
The CMA report also examined the ability of patients with a clinician to receive urgent care promptly. Nationally, only 37 per cent reported being able to obtain care for urgent health concerns the same or the following day. While Ontario fared better with a rate of 44.6 per cent, regions like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland fell below the national average.
Dr. Kiran remarked, “It’s not that physicians are unwilling to provide care; rather, our systems are not designed to facilitate timely access effectively.”
Urgent Care and After-Hours Accessibility
Access to after-hours care is another critical aspect of primary healthcare. The report found that merely 31 per cent of Canadians received assistance from their primary care clinic for urgent issues outside standard weekday hours. Provinces such as British Columbia, Alberta, and areas in Atlantic Canada scored significantly lower than the national average in this regard.
Dr. Eddy Lang, an emergency physician in Calgary, pointed out that while emergency departments may see patients with genuine urgent concerns, systemic improvements are essential to alleviate the pressure on these services. “There are moments when patients could receive advice later in the evening, which underscores the need for better after-hours support,” he noted.
Satisfaction with Primary Care
Despite the challenges, the report found that among those with access to primary care, around 67 per cent felt their clinician supported their overall well-being. However, national satisfaction levels remained dismally low, with only 27.8 per cent expressing contentment with the current primary care system.
Dr. Babin suggested that while the healthcare system has not been meeting expectations for many years, there is room for optimism. “We must leverage our current investments effectively and hope to see improvements in the future,” she stated.
Dr. Kiran added that satisfaction with primary care encompasses more than just the availability of a clinician. “Canadians seek timely access, the ability to manage their health records, and to be treated with dignity. They want to feel empowered in their healthcare journey,” she concluded.
Why it Matters
The findings of this report underscore the critical need for a cohesive and equitable healthcare strategy across Canada. As disparities in access to family doctors persist, the health of millions hangs in the balance. Addressing these inconsistencies is vital not only for improving individual outcomes but also for fostering a healthier, more resilient society. The call for a unified approach to primary care is louder than ever, demanding urgent attention from policymakers and healthcare leaders alike.
