Most people in Denmark and the Netherlands have a doctor. Here’s what Canada can learn
Primary care is a crucial aspect of healthcare that many Canadians struggle to access. In Denmark, however, the system is much more streamlined. Upon moving to Copenhagen, Emily Ritchie quickly found a general practitioner thanks to a card that assigned her to a doctor. This ease of access is in stark contrast to the challenges many Canadians face in finding a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Dr. Tara Kiran, a family doctor in Toronto, recognized that Canada could learn from countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, where over 95% of the population has access to a primary care provider. In these countries, primary care is team-based, with around-the-clock access to healthcare professionals. This model has proven to be successful in addressing the population’s needs and providing timely care.
Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, Spain, and Sweden are often praised for their robust primary care systems. Dr. Kathleen Ross, a family physician and past president of the Canadian Medical Association, believes that these countries offer a glimpse of what is possible with their data sharing and team-based models.
In Denmark, all citizens have access to a nearby GP and can easily change doctors if needed. This customer-oriented system ensures that people can receive care promptly. Similarly, in the Netherlands, primary care is easily accessible, with most patients able to get an appointment within five days.
One of the key aspects of primary care in both Denmark and the Netherlands is the team-based approach. Health professionals work together to provide comprehensive care, allowing family doctors to focus on more complex cases. In Canada, some provinces have already implemented primary-care teams consisting of various healthcare professionals.
Dr. Kiran’s visit to Denmark and the Netherlands has inspired her to advocate for change in Canada’s primary care system. Through her forthcoming podcast, Primary Focus, she aims to raise awareness and encourage Canadians to demand improvements in access to primary care.
Overall, the lessons learned from Denmark and the Netherlands highlight the importance of team-based primary care and timely access to healthcare professionals. By implementing similar models in Canada, we can ensure that all Canadians have access to quality primary care services.
