Perceived barriers to primary care among western Canadians with chronic conditions
Paul E Ronksley, Claudia Sanmartin, David J T Campbell, Robert G Weaver, G Michael Allan, Kerry A McBrien, Marcello Tonelli, Braden J Manns, Deirdre Hennessy, Brenda R Hemmelgarn, Paul E Ronksley, Claudia Sanmartin, David J T Campbell, Robert G Weaver, G Michael Allan, Kerry A McBrien, Marcello Tonelli, Braden J Manns, Deirdre Hennessy, Brenda R Hemmelgarn
Abstract
Background: This analysis explores barriers to the receipt of health care from a primary care physician for management of chronic conditions.
Data and methods: A population-based survey was administered to adults in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia who had hypertension, diabetes, heart disease or stroke (n=1,849). Associations between socio-demographic factors and barriers to receipt of primary care were identified.
Results: Most respondents with chronic conditions required care from a primary care physician in the past year and had no difficulty receiving it; about 10% reported a barrier. Barriers were most commonly reported by respondents with diabetes (16%) and were related to initiation of care or waiting too long to get care.
Interpretation: A small percentage of adults with chronic conditions report barriers to receiving care from a primary care physician.
Keywords: Health services accessibility; health services needs and demand.
Source: PubMed