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The following is a summary of “Exploration of primary care models and timely access to care in New Brunswick (Canada),” published in the October 2024 issue of Primary Care by Johnson et al.

Timely access to primary care services remains a pressing concern in New Brunswick, Canada. For a study, researchers aimed to evaluate how various primary care models, such as solo and collaborative practices, clinics, community centers, and emergency departments, impact access to care. By comparing these models, they sought to supplement the New Brunswick Health Council’s findings from patients’ perspectives with insights from primary care providers.

The study involved a convenience sample of 120 primary care providers, including physicians in solo and collaborative practices, providers working alongside nurse practitioners, after-hours clinic staff, and emergency department providers. Participants completed an online survey detailing their practice model and accessibility, and statistical analyses were conducted to identify correlations between care model variables and timely access.

Results indicated a positive correlation between patient load and providers’ age and experience, though higher patient loads did not guarantee more timely access. Notably, providers reserving appointment slots for urgent requests were more likely to offer timely care, with 97% meeting the 5-day access benchmark versus 85% among those who filled all slots in advance (p = 0.032). Neither the type of care model (solo vs. collaborative) nor the use of health technology significantly influenced access times. However, providers working remotely were less likely to provide timely access.

The research concluded that while care models alone may not directly impact access times, certain organizational strategies, such as reserving appointments for urgent needs, may improve patient access. Integrating these practices into primary care systems in New Brunswick and other regions in Canada could enhance accessibility and patient care outcomes.

Source: bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-024-02618-8