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Funders:
Academic Health Science Centre Alternative Funding (AFP) Innovation Grant,
Maureen Kempston Darkes Fund for Improvement in Primary Care
About
Primary care is the first point of contact with the health system, providing comprehensive care across the lifespan. High-quality care depends on the “Four C’s”: first contact, continuity, comprehensiveness, and coordination. Gaps in access burden acute care, increase costs, and worsen health outcomes. In Canada, nearly one in five people lack a regular provider, with vulnerable populations disproportionately affected. COVID-19 has further strained supply through burnout and early retirements. Without intervention, access will worsen.
Impact
This study aims to examine how mismatches between primary care supply and demand vary across regions and boundaries, using ICES data, to inform more equitable planning and policy.