Kevin Liu
Ethnicity and Accessibility to Linguistically-Matched Family Physicians in Major Canadian Immigrant Receiving Cities © 2009
Health care has improved through time to become more equitable, accessible and universal in Canada, but difficulties in accessing primary health care for ethnic minorities are often ignored. Speaking a common language with a family physician is important in establishing proper communication, so the patient can receive adequate care and treatment. Ethnic minorities, however, may not be proficient in the official language of the host country, so there is a requirement for a linguistically-matched physician. This preference limits the availability of physicians an ethnic minority can visit, making access to health care more difficult. The study provides a geographical perspective by analyzing the spatial access to linguistically-matched physicians for ethnic minorities. The paper employs a multi-method approach by applying the modified location quotient, two-step floating catchment area method and modified gravity accessibility model, to evaluate spatial accessibility for the Chinese, Pakistani and Sri Lankan ethnic groups in Canada. The study suggests that there is a spatial complication in accessing health care in areas with large ethnic settlements.