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Aim: Access to a primary care physician in early psychosis facilitates help‐seeking and engagement with psychiatric treatment. We examined access to a regular primary care physician in people with early psychosis, compared to the general population, and explored factors associated with access. Methods: Using linked health administrative data from Ontario (Canada), we identified people aged 14–35 years with a first diagnosis of nonaffective psychotic disorder (n = 39 449; 2005–2015). We matched cases to four randomly selected general population controls based on age, sex, neighbourhood, and index date (n = 157 796). We used modified Poisson regression to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) for access to a regular primary care physician in the year prior to first diagnosis of psychotic disorder, and the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with access. Results: A larger proportion of people with early psychosis had a regular primary care physician, relative to the general population (89% vs. 68%; PR = 1.30, 95%CI = 1.30–1.31). However, this was accounted for by a higher prevalence of comorbidities among people with psychosis, and this association was no longer present after adjustment (PR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.97, 0.98). People with early psychosis who were older, male, refugees and those residing in lower income or high residential instability neighbourhoods were less likely to have a regular primary care physician. Conclusion: Approximately one in ten young people with early psychosis in Ontario lack access to a regular primary care physician. Strategies to improve primary care physician access are needed for management of physical comorbidities and to ensure continuity of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to explore the perspectives of older adults and health providers on cardiac rehabilitation care provided virtually during COVID-19. A qualitative exploratory methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 older adults and 6 healthcare providers. Five themes emerged from the data: (1) Lack of emotional intimacy when receiving virtual care, (2) Inadequacy of virtual platforms, (3) Saving time with virtual care, (4) Virtual care facilitated accessibility, and (5) Loss of connections with patients and colleagues. Given that virtual care continues to be implemented, and in some instances touted as an optimal option for the delivery of cardiac rehabilitation, it is critical to address the needs of older adults living with cardiovascular disease and their healthcare providers. This is particularly crucial related to issues accessing and using technology, as well as older adults' need to build trust and emotional connection with their providers.