A recent study reveals significant variations in access to primary healthcare across Canada, with over 5.8 million adults currently lacking a family doctor. The findings, derived from the Canadian Medical Association’s Our Care survey, indicate a stark contrast in primary care availability among provinces and territories. While regions like Ontario and British Columbia report higher access rates, others, particularly New Brunswick and Newfoundland, lag notably behind.
Uneven Access Across Provinces
The survey, which gathered insights from 16,876 adults nationwide, underscores the fragmented nature of Canada’s healthcare system. Dr. Tara Kiran, a collaborator on the CMA survey, articulated that the findings reflect not a cohesive national system but rather a patchwork of at least 13 distinct primary care frameworks.
In New Brunswick, just 65.9 per cent of respondents reported having a primary care clinician. This statistic implies that approximately 240,000 residents in the province may be without access to a family doctor. Dr. Lise Babin, a family physician in New Brunswick, noted that the province’s persistent struggle with physician access has been compounded by insufficient investment in primary care over recent years.
In contrast, provinces such as Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba boast 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 primary care provider. This discrepancy highlights the role that investment in healthcare systems plays, with team-based care models in provinces like Ontario and Alberta potentially leading to better outcomes.
The Health Implications of Lack of Access
The consequences of not having a family doctor are dire, particularly for individuals with chronic health conditions. Research from Ontario corroborates Dr. Babin’s concerns, revealing that patients without 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.
The CMA report further explored the ability of Canadians to receive urgent care from their primary providers, finding that only 37 per cent reported being able to access care the same day or the following day. Ontario performed slightly better than the national average, with 44.6 per cent of respondents indicating timely access. However, provinces like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland reported even lower rates.
Dr. Kiran emphasised that while healthcare providers strive to meet patient needs, systemic shortcomings hinder efficient care delivery. “It’s not that doctors are unwilling to help; it’s that the current systems are not designed to facilitate timely access.”
After-Hours Care and Patient Satisfaction
The report also assessed after-hours support, revealing that only 31 per cent of Canadians could receive assistance with urgent issues outside standard office hours. Notably, British Columbia, Alberta, and several Atlantic provinces scored significantly lower than the national average in this area.
Dr. Eddy Lang, an emergency room physician in Calgary, remarked on the challenges emergency departments face, noting that patients often present with genuine urgent concerns when they turn to emergency care.
Despite the challenges, the report found that among those with access to primary care, about 67 per cent felt their clinician supported their overall well-being. However, satisfaction with the primary care system is notably low, with only 27.8 per cent of Canadians expressing contentment with how the system functions.
Dr. Babin acknowledged the long-standing issues within the healthcare system but expressed cautious optimism for the future. “We haven’t been doing well for many years, but there is reason to be hopeful. With the right investments, we can foster improvements.”
Dr. Kiran added that patient satisfaction transcends mere access to a clinician; it encompasses timely appointments, respectful treatment, and the empowerment of patients to manage their own health effectively.
Why it Matters
The findings of this report serve as a crucial reminder of the inequities present within Canada’s healthcare landscape. As millions continue to navigate a fragmented system, the need for targeted investments and reforms in primary care becomes increasingly urgent. Addressing these disparities is not only vital for individual health outcomes but also essential for the overall efficacy and sustainability of Canada’s healthcare system. Ensuring equitable access to primary care is a fundamental step towards achieving better health for all Canadians, ultimately fostering a healthier, more resilient society.
