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Canadians Gain Doctors, But Satisfaction Plummets
9 Dec
Summary
- 5.9 million Canadians lack regular primary care access.
- Only 28% of Canadians are satisfied with primary care.
- Team-based care is key to improving patient satisfaction.
A recent national survey reveals that while access to primary care providers has improved for many Canadians, satisfaction levels are critically low. Approximately 5.9 million individuals still do not have regular access to a doctor or nurse practitioner, though this figure represents a decrease from previous years. The comprehensive OurCare initiative, which involved over 16,000 Canadians, found that only 28% are satisfied with the current state of primary care.
This low satisfaction points to a broader issue beyond mere access. Experts emphasize the need for timely, culturally safe, and empowering care, where patients can easily access their health information. A significant driver for improvement identified is the scaling up of team-based care models. These models involve interdisciplinary teams, including nurses and social workers, collaborating with doctors and nurse practitioners to provide holistic patient care.
Challenges persist, with many Canadians struggling to access specialty care and diagnostics, and urgent concerns often facing delayed attention. The survey also highlighted income disparities in access. Addressing physician burnout and administrative burdens is also crucial for making family medicine more sustainable and improving the overall patient experience.
