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Walk-in clinics: implications for family practice
J Rizos1, P Anglin, I Grava-Gubins
1Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital, Waterloo, Ont.
Summary
Walk-in clinics are popular in Canada due to convenient locations and immediate access. Many patients choose them because their regular physician is unavailable, highlighting a need for accessible primary care.
Area of Science:
- Primary Care
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Walk-in clinics have grown in popularity in Canada.
- Understanding patient motivations is crucial for primary care planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind the increasing use of walk-in clinics.
- To assess patient satisfaction and perceptions of care at walk-in clinics.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 321 patients with a regular physician who attended a walk-in clinic in Toronto.
- Data collected on reasons for visit, urgency, alternatives, and satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Convenient location (33%), inability to see regular physician promptly (16%), and no appointment needed (13%) were key reasons.
- 80% of patients perceived their need for medical attention within 24 hours.
- High patient satisfaction was reported, with extended hours and walk-in accessibility being major draws.
Conclusions:
- Walk-in clinics offer a valuable alternative for primary care, especially for urgent needs.
- Family physician availability outside standard hours influences patient choices.
- The accessibility and convenience of walk-in clinics meet patient demand for prompt medical attention.