Research summary
Many Canadians face challenges getting primary health care. Even when care is available, vulnerable people can have difficulties accessing it-for example, older adults or those with disabilities may find it difficult to travel to a doctor. As Canada Research Chair in Vulnerable Individuals in Primary Care, Dr. Gina Ragini Agarwal is trying to ensure that vulnerable individuals can get the health care they need, where and when they need it.
She and her research team are developing interventions to improve primary care. They are exploring new ways to measure the usefulness of health programs and developing and testing new ones. They are also running large research trials to gather evidence about the impacts of programs on individuals and health systems. Their work will lead to better access to (and more effective use of) primary care, fewer emergency visits, better health outcomes and quality of life, and a more sustainable health system.