Access to primary care and other health care use among western Canadians with chronic conditions: a population-based survey.

Autor:	Weaver RG; Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta., Manns BJ; Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. ; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta., Tonelli M; Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta., Sanmartin C; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. ; Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ont., Campbell DJ; Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. ; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta., Ronksley PE; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Lewanczuk R; Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta., Braun TC; Department of Family Medicine, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alta., Hennessy D; Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ont. ; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ont., Hemmelgarn BR; Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta. ; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	CMAJ open [CMAJ Open] 2014 Mar 07; Vol. 2 (1), pp. E27-34. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Mar 07 (Print Publication: 2014).
DOI:	10.9778/cmajo.20130045
Abstrakt:	Background: For adults with chronic conditions, access to primary care, including multidisciplinary care, is associated with better outcomes. Few studies have assessed barriers to such care. We sought to describe barriers to primary care, including care from allied health professionals, for adults with chronic conditions. Methods: We surveyed western Canadians aged 40 years or older who had hypertension, diabetes, heart disease or stroke about access to primary care and other use of health care. Using log binomial regression, we determined the association between sociodemographic variables and several indicators of access to primary care and care from allied health professionals. Results: Of the 2316 people who were approached, 1849 (79.8%) completed the survey. Most of the respondents (95.1%) had a regular medical doctor, but two-thirds (68.1%) did not have after-hours access. Only 6.1% indicated that allied health professionals were involved in their care, although most respondents (87.3%) indicated they would be willing to see a nurse practitioner if their primary care physician was not available. Respondents who were obese or less than 65 years of age were less likely to have a regular medical doctor. Individuals who had diabetes, lived in a rural area, were residents of Alberta or had poorer health were more likely to have allied health professionals involved in their care. Interpretation: The survey results identified barriers to accessing primary care for people with chronic conditions. Opportunities for improving access to primary care may include greater involvement by allied health professionals, such as nurse practitioners.
Databáze:	MEDLINE
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