To examine the association between immigration status and time to access the flash glucose monitoring (FGM) system among Ontario residents with insulin-requiring diabetes eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program, highlighting the significance of equitable access.
Key Findings:
FGM systems were added to the ODB formulary effective September 16, 2019.
Barriers to accessing prescription drug benefits are pronounced among immigrants, particularly those who recently arrived in Canada, including financial constraints and information gaps.
Interpretation:
Individuals who immigrated, especially recent immigrants, are likely to face barriers to accessing FGM systems, leading to longer times to access these devices, which has implications for healthcare policy.
Limitations:
The study focused only on residents aged 66 years or older, limiting generalizability to younger populations.
Data on immigration status may not capture all nuances of individual experiences with the healthcare system, potentially introducing biases.
Conclusion:
Access to FGM systems can be inequitable, particularly for recent immigrants facing multiple barriers; further research should explore potential solutions to improve access.
"AI could help reduce the burden on ophthalmology services by triaging large numbers of patients with diabetes and allowing specialists to focus on those who most urgently need care."
