Overview

Abstract (English)

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. findings About a third of Canadians have chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. The care of patients with chronic conditions has become a major focus in health services research and public health policy, and the direct costs of managing these conditions exceed $40 billion a year. Even so, not all Canadians with chronic conditions receive the care they require.

Abstract (French)

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