A recent report from Canada’s largest primary-care survey reveals both progress and ongoing challenges in access to primary health care. Conducted by Dr. Tara Kiran and her team, the study analyzed over 16,000 responses from nearly ten million patients in Ontario. These new findings show that an increasing number of people have gained access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Yet, stark barriers to timely care remain.
The survey highlights that only 22% of respondents felt they knew what to do if something went wrong with their care. Additionally, only 37% of individuals with a primary care provider reported they could be seen promptly for urgent medical issues. These statistics highlight an alarming lack of patient awareness and accessibility that must be addressed.
Access Challenges Persist
Despite improvements, the report indicates that approximately 12% of patients in Ontario live over 30 kilometers from their family physician. This added distance can make access much more difficult, particularly for people who require care relatively often or on short notice. In 2022, an estimated 6.5 million adults sought but could not find primary care. By 2023, that figure had decreased to 5.9 million, showing advances in enrolling more individuals into primary care services.
The survey found that 11% of individuals without a family doctor or nurse practitioner opted to pay out of pocket for care within the past year. Combined, this reality erodes the ability of public health services to be effective. It also underscores the cost of inaccessibility on those who are unable to locate a primary care provider.
“Even those people who do have primary care still struggle with accessing care when they need it.” – Dr. Tara Kiran
Satisfaction Levels Remain Low
Even with more patients getting access to care, a new report shows patient satisfaction is dropping. Just 28% of respondents said they’re happy with the state of primary care as it stands today. This terrifically low rate underscores an all-too-common feeling of helplessness that there’s nothing that can be done. This sense is felt even among those with a medical home.
It is unfortunate that the survey’s findings tell other tales, mirroring regional inequities in access to primary care across Canada. In the 2022 survey, we saw Ontarians express overwhelming support for primary care services. At the same time, Quebec, the Atlantic provinces, and British Columbia reached serious barriers.
The 2025 release followed suit by not releasing the provincial and territorial results. Dr. Kiran has committed to delivering these outcomes no later than the spring of 2026. Impact on public health She stressed the need to look deeper into these differences, which can have drastic implications for public health efforts.
“We are not releasing the provincial–territorial results until early 2026.” – Dr. Tara Kiran
Looking Ahead
The study’s findings are crucial for policymakers and healthcare providers as they strive to improve the primary care system in Canada. Learning which barriers patients encounter most is key for the creation of solutions that work.
There is a constant rhythm of research and advanced techniques benefiting the patient. With additional follow-ups scheduled for 2025, we’re optimistic about even better access and progress in the future. Filling the gaps they recognized is a step to improving satisfaction overall and health outcome nationally.
