biostudies-literatureMarshall EGNova Scotia Health Research Fund60https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8966849biostudies-literatureUnknown23(1)<h4>Background</h4>Patient access to primary healthcare (PHC) is the foundation of a strong healthcare system and healthy populations. Attachment to a regular PHC provider, a key to healthcare access, has seen a decline in some jurisdictions. This study explored the consequences of unattachment from a patient perspective, an under-studied phenomenon to date.<h4>Methods</h4>A realist-informed qualitative study was conducted with unattached patients in Nova Scotia, Canada. Semi-structured interviews with nine participants were conducted and transcribed for analysis. The framework method was used to carry out analysis, which was guided by Donabedian's model of assessing healthcare access and quality.<h4>Results</h4>Five key findings were noted in this study: 1) Participants experienced a rangBMC primary care"What do you mean I can't have a doctor? this is Canada!" - a qualitative study of the myriad consequences for unattached patients awaiting primary care attachment.PMC89668491021744Peddle SMarshall EGWoodrow ACWuite SEdwards LLawson BMacKenzie AAndrew MKfalse"What do you mean I can't have a doctor? this is Canada!" - a qualitative study of the myriad consequences for unattached patients awaiting primary care attachment.<h4>Background</h4>Patient access to primary healthcare (PHC) is the foundation of a strong healthcare system and healthy populations. Attachment to a regular PHC provider, a key to healthcare access, has seen a decline in some jurisdictions. This study explored the consequences of unattachment from a patient perspective, an under-studied phenomenon to date.<h4>Methods</h4>A realist-informed qualitative study was conducted with unattached patients in Nova Scotia, Canada. Semi-structured interviews with nine participants were conducted and transcribed for analysis. The framework method was used to carry out analysis, which was guided by Donabedian's model of assessing healthcare access and quality.<h4>Results</h4>Five key findings were noted in this study: 1) Participants experienced a rang2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Mar2025-06-01T02:57:20.332Z2025-06-01T02:57:20.332ZS-EPMC89668493535443810.1186/s12875-022-01671-5