Exploration of primary care models and timely access to care in New Brunswick (Canada)

This correlative study aimed to examine how the different primary care models (physicians in solo practice, physicians in collaborative practice, physicians and nurse practitioners in collaborative practice, after-hours clinics, community centers, or emergency rooms) were associated with their capability to offer timely access to their patients. The data collected from the primary care provider's perspective was to complete the New Brunswick Health Council results on patients' perspective.

A convenience sample of 120 primary care providers (33 physicians in solo practice, 33 physicians in collaborative practice, 27 providers in collaborative practice with nurse practitioners, 2 providers working in after-hours clinics, and 10 providers in Emergency departments) responded to an online survey about their primary care models and accessibility. We used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software to run correlations, independent t-tests and Fisher's exact tests to compare timely access to care between variable groups.

A positive correlation was observed between patient load (or the number of patients under a primary care provider's practice), age and years of experience. However, the patient load did not translate to more timely access to care. However, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.032) was observed when primary care providers kept appointment slots available for daily urgent requests. When a primary care provider booked all available appointment slots, only 85% of them could offer timely appointments (in 5 days or less), compared to 97% who could deliver it when appointment slots were left open in their daily schedule. The primary care model (solo vs. collaboration), the use of health technologies and the type of provider did not significantly influence timely access to care. In contrast, the primary care providers who reported teleworking (or working remotely) were less likely to offer timely access to care.

Timely access to care is not always available to patients, even those with a primary care provider. Certain organizational practices may improve access to care and should be integrated into primary care in New Brunswick and elsewhere in Canada.