Determinants associated with receiving a medical appointment through the Primary Care Access Points for unattached adults in Quebec: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Canada is experiencing an unprecedented primary care crisis, with 6.5 million Canadians reporting lacking a family physician, including 31% of the Quebec population. To address this problem, the province of Quebec implemented Primary Care Access Points (GAPs) to help unattached patients navigate and access primary care services while awaiting attachment. We aimed to examine the determinants associated with unattached patients receiving a medical appointment compared to another service through the GAP. Cross-sectional data (n = 13,291) from two GAPs were collected (June 2022 to March 2023). Multivariable logistic regression was carried out. Being younger, calling for an acute health problem, medication renewal or to have administrative documentation filled, having a physical or mental health problem, and using GAP A (compared to GAP B) were associated with an increased likelihood of receiving a medical appointment. This study is the first to document the characteristics of patients using the GAP and their needs.