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Does better access to FPs decrease the likelihood of emergency department use? Results from the Primary Care Access
1Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research, Laurentian University, Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6. ox_mian@laurentian.ca
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|November 16, 2012
Summary
Better access to family physician (FP) services reduces emergency department (ED) use, particularly for those with chronic conditions. Actual access, not just having a regular FP, is key to decreasing ED visits.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Primary Care Medicine
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Emergency department (ED) utilization is a significant concern in healthcare systems.
- Understanding factors influencing ED use is crucial for optimizing resource allocation and patient care.
- Family physicians (FPs) play a central role in primary care and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between access to family physician (FP) services and emergency department (ED) use in Ontario.
- To determine if improved access to FP care mitigates the likelihood of ED visits.
Main Methods:
- A population-based telephone survey was conducted among 8502 Ontario residents aged 16 years and older.
- Data collected included demographic information, chronic health conditions, and patterns of ED use in the preceding 12 months.
- Key variables assessed were having a regular FP and the perceived actual access to FP services for immediate care.
Main Results:
- Actual access to FP services for immediate care was significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of ED use (OR = 0.62, P < .001).
- Individuals with chronic diseases who had a regular FP showed a reduced likelihood of ED use (OR = 0.47, P = .01).
- Factors such as chronic conditions, immigrant status, rural/northern residence, and lower socioeconomic status independently predicted higher ED use.
Conclusions:
- Effective and timely access to FP care is strongly linked to reduced ED utilization, especially for patients with chronic diseases.
- Distinguishing between potential (having a regular FP) and actual access to FP care is vital for understanding its impact on ED use.
- Further research is needed to address higher ED use among specific populations despite adequate access and sociodemographic factors.
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