Usage of digital tools to access primary care in Quebec: An environmental scan

Abstract

Timely access to care is a persistent challenge for health care systems. Providing the right care to the right patient at the right time is important to reduce inappropriate use and improve the performance of healthcare services. The complexity of accessing primary care contributes to the high usage of emergency rooms for not-urgent conditions. Many digital tools try to offer a better access to care for patients and reduce ER overuse. This environmental scan of the digital tools available in Quebec identifies those digital tools and some of their limitations. The results reveal the complexity of mobilizing digital tools in the healthcare sector and highlight the need for all stakeholders to work together to enhance access to care. © 2021 European Federation for Medical Informatics (EFMI) and IOS Press.