Table 1

Example primary care challenges discussed in literature from 2010 to 2020

Structural domainPerformance domain
General primary care challenges

  • Provider shortage

  • Resource allocation does not meet current demands

  • Nurse practitioners not able to practice full scope of skills

  • Inequitable access

  • Physician burnout

  • Need for improved coordination

  • Difficulty of applying guidelines for patients with multimorbidity

  • Need for improved relational continuity

COVID-19-specific challenges

  • Lack of personal protective equipment

  • Provider payment delays

  • Nurse shortages in northern communities

  • Need for early diagnosis and follow-up of high-risk patients

  • Decreased use of primary care services

  • Virtual care reduced human connection

  • Care continuum challenges

  • Patient backlogs