A recent survey has underscored the significant variances in access to primary healthcare across Canada, revealing that approximately 5.8 million adults lack a family doctor. Conducted by Dr. Tara Kiran, a family physician based in Toronto, in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, the findings indicate that individuals in certain provinces and territories face greater challenges in receiving primary care compared to their counterparts in others, such as Ontario and British Columbia.
Unequal Access Across the Country
The Our Care survey gathered data from 16,876 adults nationwide, assessing whether they had a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner. Alarmingly, New Brunswick reported the lowest access rate, with only 65.9 per cent of respondents indicating they had a primary care clinician. If this percentage is reflective of the entire population, an estimated 240,000 individuals in New Brunswick may currently be without a primary care provider.
Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in New Brunswick, expressed concern over the prolonged lack of investment in primary care services within the province. “We’ve been aware of these deficits for years now, and the absence of significant funding for primary care in New Brunswick has certainly played a part in our struggles,” she stated.
In stark contrast, provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba reported much higher figures, with access rates of 87.4 per cent, 88.5 per cent, and 88.8 per cent respectively. Dr. Kiran pointed out that factors such as investments in team-based care and competitive remuneration for healthcare professionals play a crucial role in attracting doctors to these areas.
The Consequences of Lack of Primary Care
The implications of not having a family physician can be dire, particularly for individuals managing chronic health conditions. A recent Ontario study corroborated Dr. Babin’s assertions, revealing that those without a family doctor for two or more years faced a twelve-fold increase in the likelihood of death and a nearly sixteen-fold increase in the risk of premature death.
Furthermore, the report highlighted urgent care access, finding that only 37 per cent of Canadians could secure an appointment for urgent concerns either on the same day or the following day. Ontario fared somewhat better, with 44.6 per cent of respondents reporting timely access, whereas provinces such as Nova Scotia and Newfoundland lagged behind the national average.
Dr. Kiran noted that the systemic issues within healthcare are not due to the dedication of physicians but rather stem from the design of healthcare systems. “We haven’t structured our systems in a way that facilitates easy access for patients,” she remarked. She advocates for increased investment in inter-professional teams to bolster the capabilities of family doctors and nurse practitioners.
After-Hours Care and Patient Satisfaction
The survey also examined after-hours care, with only 31 per cent of Canadians indicating that someone from their primary care clinic could assist with urgent issues outside regular hours. This figure was notably lower in provinces like British Columbia and Alberta, which are often perceived as having robust healthcare systems.
Dr. Eddy Lang, an emergency physician in Calgary, emphasised the genuine urgency of patients seeking care in emergency departments, stating, “If they’re coming to see us, they truly believe they have an urgent issue that requires attention.”
Despite having access to primary care, only 27.8 per cent of Canadians expressed satisfaction with the current system. Dr. Babin articulated a sense of cautious optimism, suggesting that while past efforts have faltered, there is potential for improvement with the right investments in place.
The Bigger Picture: What Canadians Want
Dr. Kiran further highlighted that satisfaction with primary care transcends mere access to a clinician. “Canadians are seeking not only a family doctor but also timely access, respect, and empowerment regarding their health management,” she noted. This indicates a wider expectation for quality and holistic care beyond just having a healthcare provider.
Why it Matters
This report serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing disparities in healthcare access across Canada. With millions still grappling with the absence of primary care, it is imperative for policymakers to address these inequalities. The findings underscore the necessity of strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure to ensure that all Canadians can access the medical support they need, when they need it. A healthy population is the foundation of a strong society, and equitable access to healthcare is a vital component of that foundation.
