Barriers and Enablers to Primary Care Access for Equity-Deserving Populations in Ontario

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Researcher bios and how their research backgrounds relate to this study

Yuri (Yu-Ling) Yin, MSW, Researcher

I have a background in Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) and health equity, with a focus on marginalized communities, including racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ groups. My research aims to understand and address barriers to healthcare access for equity-deserving populations. This current study builds on my experience, seeking to explore and develop community-based solutions to improve primary care access for these underserved groups in Ontario.

Purpose of this research project

The purpose of this research project is to examine the barriers and enablers to primary care access for equity-deserving populations in Ontario. The study focuses specifically on individuals who are economically marginalized (e.g., low-income or struggling to meet financial needs) and belong to racialized or 2SLGBTQ+ communities. These groups often face greater challenges when accessing healthcare due to systemic discrimination, social exclusion, and inadequate resources in primary care settings.

Our research seeks to better understand these barriers by gathering data from both key informants (healthcare providers, social workers, and other community-based professionals) and directly from community members experiencing these challenges. The key informants will provide insight into the systemic factors that limit access to care, such as policy gaps, staffing shortages, and the availability of culturally competent care. In parallel, participants from racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities will share their personal experiences, highlighting the everyday obstacles they encounter when seeking healthcare.

The project is funded by the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Health and has been approved by the Toronto Metropolitan Research Ethics Board (REB #2024-287). The ultimate goal is to identify community-based solutions that will improve access to primary care for these groups. By centering the voices of individuals who experience these challenges, the study aims to provide recommendations to healthcare organizations and policymakers.

We hope to promote more equitable healthcare systems and services that address the specific barriers faced by equity-deserving groups. The findings from this study will be used to develop policy recommendations and tools that healthcare providers and organizations can implement to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for equity-deserving populations across Ontario.

How this research will help LGBT2SQ people and communities

This research will:

Identify Barriers: It will highlight specific challenges 2SLGBTQ+ individuals face in accessing primary care, such as discrimination and lack of culturally competent care.

Promote Solutions: By focusing on community-based, inclusive solutions, the research will advocate for practices that improve healthcare access and experiences for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.

Inform Policy Changes: The findings will support policy recommendations to address healthcare inequities for 2SLGBTQ+ communities, pushing for more affirming and accessible care.

Elevate Community Voices: The study ensures 2SLGBTQ+ individuals’ experiences are central, empowering their voices in shaping healthcare solutions.

Participants

To participate, you must: 
Live in Ontario
Be 18 years old or older.
Self-identify as Black, East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, or 2SLGBTQ+
Have difficulty finding or seeing a family doctor, nurse practitioner or other provider for your healthcare needs
Are low-income or have difficulty making ends meet financially
Have challenges accessing primary care

Compensation

participants will receive $40 via e-transfer or $40 cash via mail for your participation

Mitigation measures

To minimize potential distress for participants in this research study, we have implemented several mitigation measures:

Informed Consent: Prior to participation, all individuals will receive a detailed information sheet outlining the study's purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and will need to provide informed consent before proceeding.

Confidentiality Assurance: We will ensure that all personal information is kept confidential and that data will be anonymized in any reports or publications. This confidentiality will help alleviate concerns about privacy and potential repercussions of sharing sensitive experiences.

Sensitive Interviewing Techniques: Interviews will be conducted in a supportive and respectful manner, allowing participants to share their experiences at their own pace. Interviewers will be trained to recognize signs of distress and adjust their approach accordingly.

Option to Withdraw: Participants will be informed that they have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. This empowers them to make decisions that are in their best interest.

Resource Provision: We will provide participants with information about local mental health services and support resources. If participants experience distress during the interview, they will be encouraged to take breaks or terminate the session if needed.

Promoting the Study

We are promoting the study through targeted outreach to community organizations, healthcare providers, and networks that serve equity-deserving populations. We will share information via email, flyers, and highlighting the study’s purpose and participant eligibility. Additionally, we will collaborate with organizations focused on the 2SLGBTQ+ and racialized communities to disseminate recruitment materials to ensure a diverse participant pool. Our goal is to raise awareness of the study and encourage individuals facing barriers to primary care access to participate and share their experiences.