A recent report has brought to light stark differences in access to primary healthcare across Canada’s provinces and territories, revealing that approximately 5.8 million adults continue to lack a family doctor. The findings from the Our Care survey, led by Dr. Tara Kiran in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, indicate that while some regions, such as Ontario and Alberta, report high levels of access, others, notably New Brunswick and Newfoundland, are struggling significantly.
Unequal Access to Family Physicians
The survey, which gathered insights from 16,876 Canadian adults, examined whether individuals had a regular family doctor, nurse practitioner, or primary care setting. The data showed that New Brunswick had the lowest rate of access, with only 65.9 per cent of respondents affirming they had a primary care clinician. If this statistic reflects the entire population, it suggests that around 240,000 residents are without adequate primary healthcare support.
Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in New Brunswick, expressed concern about this situation, stating, “It’s not surprising to see that we’re lagging behind other provinces regarding access to family physicians. The lack of investment in primary care in recent years has definitely contributed to our struggles.”
Conversely, provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba report significantly higher access rates, with 87.4 per cent, 88.5 per cent, and 88.8 per cent of respondents, respectively, indicating they have a clinician. Dr. Kiran pointed to several factors that could explain these disparities, including greater investments in team-based care and financial incentives that attract healthcare professionals to these regions.
The Consequences of Limited Access
The ramifications of not having a family doctor extend beyond mere inconvenience; they can severely affect the health of Canadians, particularly those with chronic conditions. Research from Ontario corroborates Dr. Babin’s claims, revealing that individuals with multiple chronic health issues who lack a family doctor for two or more years face a staggering twelve-fold increase in mortality risk and a nearly sixteen-fold higher chance of premature death.
Furthermore, the report assessed whether individuals with a clinician could receive urgent care on the same or following day. Nationally, only 37 per cent reported timely access, with Ontario slightly above the average at 44.6 per cent. In contrast, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and the Northwest Territories reported even lower rates, underscoring the urgent need for systemic improvement.
Improving Access Through Investment
Dr. Kiran noted that the current healthcare system does not adequately facilitate timely access for patients. “It’s not that the doctor doesn’t want to see the patient; it’s just that we haven’t designed our systems to make that easy,” she remarked. One potential solution lies in increasing investment in inter-professional teams, which could enhance the capacity of family doctors and nurse practitioners to manage patient care effectively.
The survey also explored after-hours care, revealing that only 31 per cent of Canadians could receive urgent assistance outside standard weekday hours. Provinces like British Columbia and Alberta ranked notably lower than the national average, highlighting the need for better support structures outside conventional hours.
Patient Satisfaction Remains Low
Despite having access to primary care, patient satisfaction remains troublingly low, with only 27.8 per cent of Canadians expressing contentment with the system. Dr. Babin notes, “I think the conclusion is that we haven’t been doing OK for many years, but I remain optimistic. With the right investments, we can see a difference.”
Dr. Kiran echoed this sentiment, emphasising that primary care encompasses more than merely having a clinician; it requires timely access, patient empowerment, and respectful treatment. “People are looking for more than just a family doctor,” she stated. “They want to be able to access their records and feel equipped to manage their health.”
Why it Matters
The findings of this report illuminate a pressing issue within Canada’s healthcare landscape: the significant disparities in access to primary care. As millions of Canadians remain without a family doctor, the implications for public health are profound. Addressing these inequalities through thoughtful investment and reform is not just a matter of improving statistics; it is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of all Canadians. Comprehensive access to primary care is a fundamental right, and fostering a system that prioritises equitable healthcare access is crucial for the nation’s future.
