Survey on Health Care Access and Experiences – Virtual Care and Pharmaceuticals, 2025 (SHCAE-VCP)

Getting started

Why are we conducting this survey?

The purpose of the Survey on Health Care Access and Experiences - Virtual Care and Pharmaceuticals is to better understand how Canadians navigate the health care system, including challenges or barriers they may face. Topics covered include the access to and use of pharmaceuticals, virtual care, barriers to care, prescription medications and out-of-pocket expenses.

The results may be used by Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and provincial ministries of health to help inform the delivery of health care services, and to develop and improve programs and policies to better serve all Canadians.

Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes.

Although voluntary, your participation is important so that the information collected is as accurate and complete as possible.

Other important information

Authorization and confidentiality

Authorization and confidentiality Data are collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Record linkages

To enhance the data from this survey and to reduce the response burden, Statistics Canada may combine the information from the tax data of all members of your household. Your provincial ministry of health and the Institut de la statistique du Québec for Quebec respondents may combine the information you provide with other survey or administrative data sources.

Statistics Canada may also combine the information you provide with other survey or administrative data sources.

Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about record linkage:
Email: infostats@statcan.gc.ca

Telephone: 1-877-949-9492

Mail:
Chief Statistician of Canada
Statistics Canada
Attention of Director, Centre for Population Health Data
150 Tunney's Pasture Driveway
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0T6

Location of residence

In which province or territory do you live?

• Province or territory
  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Northwest Territories
  • Nova Scotia
  • Nunavut
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
  • Yukon

To determine which geographic region you live in, provide your postal code.

• Postal code

Household composition

Including yourself, how many people usually live in your household?

• Number of people

Including yourself, how many of these people are [18] years of age or older?

• Number of people

Including yourself, are any people in your household currently serving as a full-time member (Regular or Reserve Force) of the Canadian Armed Forces?

Include members of the Regular Officer's Training Program (ROTP).
Exclude part-time members of the Canadian Armed Forces and civilian employees working for the Department of National Defence.

• Yes
• No

Respondent selection

Provide your first and last name.

• First name
• Last name

Age

What is your date of birth?

• Year
• Month
• Day

What is your age?

• Age in years

Sex and gender

The following questions are about sex at birth and gender.

What was your sex at birth?

Sex refers to sex assigned at birth.

• Male
• Female

What is your gender?

Gender refers to current gender which may be different from sex assigned at birth and may be different from what is indicated on legal documents.

Is it:

• Male
• Female
• Or please specify in your own words
  • Specify your gender

Main activity

The following question concerns your activities during the past 12 months.

During the past 12 months, was your main activity working at a job or business, looking for paid work, going to school, caring for children, household work, retired or something else?

If the main activity was "sickness" or "short-term illness", indicate the usual main activity.

• Working at a job or business
• Looking for paid work
• Going to school
• Caring for your children
• Household work
• Retired
• Maternity, paternity or parental leave
• Long term illness
• Volunteering or care-giving other than for your children
• Other
  • Specify the main activity

General health

The following questions are about health. By health, we mean not only the absence of disease or injury but also physical, mental and social well-being.

In general, how is your health?

Would you say:

• Excellent
• Very good
• Good
• Fair
• Poor

In general, how is your mental health?

Would you say:

• Excellent
• Very good
• Good
• Fair
• Poor

Thinking about the amount of stress in your life, how would you describe most of your days?

Would you say:

• Not at all stressful
• Not very stressful
• A bit stressful
• Quite a bit stressful
• Extremely stressful

Life satisfaction

Using a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 means "Very dissatisfied" and 10 means "Very satisfied", how do you feel about your life as a whole right now?

• 0 – Very dissatisfied
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10 – Very satisfied

Chronic conditions

The next question is about long-term health conditions. These are conditions which are expected to last or have already lasted 6 months or more and that have been diagnosed by a health professional.

Have you been diagnosed by a health professional with any of the following long-term health conditions?

Include only conditions that have lasted or are expected to last six months or more.

Select all that apply.

• Asthma
• Chronic lung condition
  e.g., emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Chronic heart disease
• Diabetes
  Exclude gestational diabetes.
• Chronic kidney disease
• Liver disease
  e.g., chronic hepatitis
• High blood pressure
• Chronic blood disorder
  e.g., sickle cell anemia, hemophilia
• A weakened immune system
  e.g., due to disease or medication
• Chronic neurological disorder
  e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease
• Effects of a stroke
• Alzheimer's disease or other dementia
• Cancer
• Arthritis
  e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout
  Exclude fibromyalgia.
• Eye disease
  e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, retinopathy
• Urinary incontinence
• Bowel disorder
  e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bowel incontinence
• Mood disorder
  e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, mania or dysthymia
• Anxiety disorder
  e.g., phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or a panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Other
  OR
• None of the above

Disability

Do you identify as a person with a disability?

A person with a disability is a person who has a long-term difficulty or condition, such as vision, hearing, mobility, flexibility, dexterity, pain, learning, developmental, memory or mental health-related impairments, that limit their daily activities inside or outside the home such as at school, work, or in the community in general.

• Yes
• No

Primary health care

Now, here are some questions about primary health care. This type of health care is often delivered by family doctors or nurse practitioners.

Do you have a regular health care provider? By this, we mean a primary health care professional that you can consult with when you need care or advice for your health.

Select "Yes, another health professional" if you receive regular care from locums.

• Yes, a family doctor
• Yes, a nurse practitioner
• Yes, another health professional
  • Specify the other health professional
• No

When you consult with [this family doctor/this nurse practitioner/this other health professional], do you have to pay out-of-pocket for your consultation because they work in a private pay model?

Exclude any fees associated with medical notes for work or school, expedited blood work, prescription renewal, cosmetic procedures, travel medicine advice and vaccines, tests requested by employers or insurance companies and other services that are not covered by the universal health care system.

• Yes
• No
• Don't know

Some patients receive primary health care from a team of health professionals working together to provide coordinated services and care. In addition to family doctors and nurses, these teams could include social workers, dieticians and pharmacists, but do not include medical specialists (e.g., cardiologists, oncologists).

Are you a patient of a team of health professionals that work together to provide you with coordinated services and care?

Exclude care provided by teams of medical specialists (e.g., cardiologists, oncologists).

Depending on where you live, these teams might be called a Family Health Team, Family Medicine Group, Integrated Care Network or Primary Care Network.

• Yes
• No
• Don't know

Do you have to pay out-of-pocket for any of the services provided by the team of health professionals?

Exclude any fees associated with medical notes for work or school, expedited blood work, prescription renewals, cosmetic procedures, travel medicine advice and vaccines, tests requested by employers or insurance companies and other services that are not covered by the universal health care system.

• Yes
• No
• Don't know

Why do you not have a regular health care provider?

Select all that apply.

Would you say:

• Currently on a waitlist
• Do not need one in particular
• No one in the area is taking new patients
• There are no health care providers in the area
• You have not tried to find one
• You had one who left, retired or changed practice
• You moved to a new area
• You aged out of paediatric care
• Paediatric care is health care for children and youth.
• Other
  • Specify the other reason you do not have a regular health care provider

When you contact your [family doctor's/nurse practitioner's/other health professional's/team of health professionals'] office during regular practice hours with a medical concern or question, not related to appointments, how often do you get an answer from someone that same day?

This could be by phone, through email or electronically.

Include contacts for issues such as test results or questions about referrals.

Exclude contacts to book appointments.

• Always
• Often
• Sometimes
• Rarely
• Never
• Have not tried to contact your [family doctor/nurse practitioner/other health professional/team of health professionals] other than to make appointments

Do you usually speak in English, in French or in another language with your [family doctor/nurse practitioner/other health professional/team of health professionals]?

Exclude the use of translation or interpretation services.

Would you say:

• English
• French
• English and French
• English and another language
• French and another language
• Another language

Is this the language you would like to speak with your [family doctor/nurse practitioner/other health professional/team of health professionals]?

• Yes
• No

What language would you like to speak with your [family doctor/nurse practitioner/other health professional/team of health professionals]?

Would you say:

• English
• French
• English and French
• English and another language
• French and another language
• Another language

You said your regular health care provider is another health professional. Do you have a family doctor or nurse practitioner?

• Yes, a family doctor
• Yes, a nurse practitioner
• No

Proximity

The following question will ask you about your proximity to [your family doctor's office/your nurse practitioner's office/your other health professional's office/your team of health professionals' office/the nearest place for health care].

On average, how much time would you spend travelling one way from your usual place of residence to [your family doctor's office/your nurse practitioner's office/your other health professional's office/your team of health professionals' office/the nearest place for health care]?

e.g., driving, ridesharing, taking public transit or a taxi, walking or any combination of modes of transport

• Less than 15 minutes
• 15 minutes to less than 30 minutes
• 30 minutes to less than 1 hour
• 1 hour to less than 2 hours
• 2 hours or more

In-person health care services – All times in past 12 months

The following questions will ask you about all the times that you accessed in-person health care services in the past 12 months.

Only consider the times that you accessed in-person health care services for yourself. Do not consider any times when you accessed in-person health care services while staying in a hospital.

In the past 12 months, have you accessed any in-person health care services?

• Yes
• No

In the past 12 months, how many times did you access in-person health care services?

• 1 time
• 2 times
• 3 to 4 times
• 5 to 9 times
• 10 times or more

Virtual health care services – All times in past 12 months

The following questions will ask you about all the times that you accessed virtual health care services in the past 12 months.

By "accessing virtual health care services", we mean requesting and then receiving health care services virtually through telephone, video or written correspondence, as opposed to in person.

Only consider the times that you accessed virtual health care services for yourself. Do not consider any times when you accessed virtual health care services while staying in a hospital.

In the past 12 months, have you accessed any virtual health care services?

• Yes
• No

In the past 12 months, how many times did you access virtual health care services?

• 1 time
• 2 times
• 3 to 4 times
• 5 to 9 times
• 10 times or more

Thinking of all the times that you accessed virtual health care services in the past 12 months, who were the providers of those virtual health care services?

Select all that apply.

Were they:

• Your family doctor
• Your nurse practitioner
• Your other health professional who is your regular health care provider
• A member from your team of health professionals
• A [different] family doctor
• A [different] nurse practitioner
• A medical specialist
  e.g., cardiologists, oncologists
• [A different/Another] health professional
  • Specify this health professional

Thinking of all those times, for which of the following providers of virtual health care services did you ever have to pay out of pocket because the health care provider worked in a private pay model?

Exclude any fees associated with medical notes for work or school, expedited blood work, prescription renewals, cosmetic procedures, travel medicine advice and vaccines, tests requested by employers or insurance companies, and other services that are not covered by the universal health care system.

Select all that apply.

• Your family doctor
• Your nurse practitioner
• A [different] family doctor
• A [different] nurse practitioner
• A medical specialist
  e.g., cardiologists, oncologists
• [A different/Another] health professional
  • Specify this health professional to whom you had to pay out of pocket
  OR
• Did not have to pay out of pocket

Thinking of all those times, for which of the following providers of virtual health care services did you ever receive care, at least in part, for any mental health needs?

Select all that apply.

• Your family doctor
• Your nurse practitioner
• Your other health professional who is your regular health care provider
• A member from your team of health professionals
• A [different] family doctor
• A [different] nurse practitioner
• A medical specialist
  e.g., cardiologists, oncologists
• [A different/Another] health professional
  • Specify this health professional from whom you received care for any mental health needs
  OR
• Did not receive care for mental health needs

What were the reasons that you accessed virtual health care services in the past 12 months?

Select all that apply.

Were they:

• In-person health care services were not available
• To avoid travel
• To save time
• Not able to access in-person health care services
• To include your caregiver, family or friend
• To receive health care services quicker
• To reduce exposure to infectious diseases
• Other
  • Specify the reason

What were the reasons that you did not access any virtual health care services in the past 12 months?

Select all that apply.

Were they:

• Health needs required in-person health care services
• Prefer in-person health care services
• Not interested in accessing health care services, whether in-person or virtual
• Not aware that you were able to access virtual health care services
• Cost for virtual health care services was not affordable
  Exclude indirect costs related to virtual health care services, such as those for the necessary technology.
• Did not need to access health care services
• Not able to access virtual health care services

What were the reasons that you [prefer in-person health care services/were not able to access virtual health care services/prefer in-person health care services or were not able to access virtual health care services]?

Select all that apply.

Were they:

• Not able to use the necessary technology or not comfortable with technology
  e.g., telephone, tablet, computer, software, Internet, app
• Had privacy and security concerns
  Include privacy and security concerns related to the space that you would have been accessing virtual health care services from or the necessary technology that you would have been accessing virtual health care services with.
• Did not have the necessary technology
  e.g., telephone, tablet, computer, software, Internet, app
• Health care provider did not offer virtual health care services
• Had technology issues
  e.g., telephone, tablet, computer, software, Internet, app
• Did not receive instructions or the instructions were not clear
• Culturally sensitive virtual health care services were not available
• Other
  • Specify the reason

Virtual health care services – Most recent time in past 12 months

The following questions will ask you about the most recent time that you accessed virtual health care services in the past 12 months.

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed virtual health care services in the past 12 months, who was the provider of that virtual health care service?

Was it:

• Your family doctor
• Your nurse practitioner
• Your other health professional who is your regular health care provider
• A member from your team of health professionals
• A [different] family doctor
• A [different] nurse practitioner
• A medical specialist
  e.g., cardiologists, oncologists
• [A different/Another] health professional
  • Specify this health professional
• Don't know

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed virtual health care services in the past 12 months, what was the purpose of that virtual health care service?

Select all that apply.

Was it:

• A regular appointment or routine checkup
• A medication or prescription refill
• A consultation for or treatment of a new health concern, illness, or injury
  e.g., acute stress reaction, flu, stomach flu
• A routine consultation or treatment for a chronic health condition
  A chronic condition usually develops slowly and has lasted or is expected to last six or more months.
• A non-routine consultation or treatment for a chronic health condition
  A chronic condition usually develops slowly and has lasted or is expected to last six or more months.
• A referral to a medical specialist or another health care provider
• Other purpose
  • Specify the purpose

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed virtual health care services in the past 12 months, what was the mode of that virtual health care service?

Was it:

• Over the telephone (voice only)
• Video on a computer, smartphone, or tablet
• Written correspondence
  e.g., email, instant messaging, text

Thinking only of this most recent time, which of the following modes of health care service were you able to choose from?

Select all that apply.

• In-person
• Over the telephone (voice only)
• Video on a computer, smartphone, or tablet
• Written correspondence
  e.g., email, instant messaging, text
  OR
• Wasn't able to choose the mode of health care service

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed virtual health care services in the past 12 months, did you have to pay out of pocket because the health care provider works in a private pay model?

Exclude any fees associated with medical notes for work or school, expedited blood work, prescription renewals, cosmetic procedures, travel medicine advice and vaccines, tests requested by employers or insurance companies, and other services that are not covered by the universal health care system.

• Yes
• No

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed virtual health care services in the past 12 months, did you receive care, at least in part, for any mental health needs?

• Yes
• No

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed virtual health care services in the past 12 months, was the health care provider able to address or begin addressing your health needs virtually?

• Yes
• No

In what way did you further try to address or begin addressing your health needs because the health care provider had not been able to do so virtually?

• Did not further try to address or begin addressing your health needs
• Tried accessing virtual health care services again, with no success
• Tried accessing in-person health care services, with no success
• Accessed in-person health care services from the same health care provider
• Accessed in-person health care services from a different health care provider
  Exclude a different health care provider at a hospital emergency department or walk-in clinic.
• Accessed in-person health care services from a hospital emergency department
• Accessed in-person health care services from a walk-in clinic
• Other
  • Specify the way

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed virtual health care services in the past 12 months, how much time did you have to wait between requesting and then receiving that virtual health care service?

• The same day
• The next day
• 2 to 3 days
• 4 to 6 days
• 1 week to less than 2 weeks
• 2 weeks to less than 1 month
• 1 month to less than 3 months
• 3 months to less than 6 months
• 6 months or more

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed virtual health care services in the past 12 months, did you experience any of the following challenges?

Select all that apply.

• Had difficulty using the necessary technology or not comfortable with technology
  e.g., telephone, tablet, computer, software, Internet, app
• Had privacy and security concerns
  Include privacy and security concerns related to the space that you were accessing the virtual health care service from or the necessary technology that you were accessing the virtual health care service with.
• Had difficulty obtaining the necessary technology
  e.g., telephone, tablet, computer, software, Internet, app
• Had technology issues
  e.g., telephone, tablet, computer, software, Internet, app
• Did not receive instructions or the instructions were not clear
• Cost for the virtual health care service was not affordable
  Exclude indirect costs related to the virtual health care service, such as those for the necessary technology.
• Culturally sensitive virtual health care services were not available
• Other
  • Specify the challenge
  OR
• Did not experience any challenges

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed virtual health care services, to what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the quality of the care?

A. Technology was easy-to-use

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

B. Was able to hear my health care provider clearly

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

C. Was able to see my health care provider clearly

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

D. Felt emotionally and physically safe

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

E. Health care provider helped me better understand my care

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

F. Health care provider listened to me carefully

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

G. Health care provider spent sufficient time with me

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

H. Health care provider treated me with courtesy and respect

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

I. My cultural needs were respected

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

J. Health care provider upheld confidentiality and privacy

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

K. Health care provider used wording that I could understand

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

L. Virtual health care service happened in language of my choice

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

M. Was able to ask questions about my care

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

N. Was able to participate in decisions about my care

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed virtual health care services in the past 12 months, how satisfied were you with the overall experience of accessing that virtual health care service?

• Very satisfied
• Satisfied
• Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
• Dissatisfied
• Very dissatisfied

If you were able to choose the mode of health care service the next time that you access health care services, how likely would you be to choose virtual instead of in-person, where appropriate?

• Very likely
• Likely
• Neither likely nor unlikely
• Unlikely
• Very unlikely

Care coordination

Thinking of the times that you received virtual health care services from health care providers other than your [family doctor/nurse practitioner/other health professional who is your regular health care provider/team of health professionals] in the past 12 months, how would you rate the overall coordination between your [family doctor/nurse practitioner/other health professional who is your regular health care provider/team of health professionals] and those other health care providers?

Care coordination could include planning or information sharing among the health care providers who you receive services from, with the goal of obtaining a holistic perspective of your health and facilitating your journey within the health care system.

• Excellent
• Very good
• Good
• Fair
• Poor
• Not applicable
• Don't know

Electronic personal health information – All times in past 12 months

The following questions are about whether you can access your own health information online through websites, applications or portals.

This information may be provided by health authorities, hospitals, doctors, laboratories, pharmacies or other health professionals.

Which of the following types of information about your health do you have access to through websites, applications, or portals?

Select a category even if you have access to some, but not all of this type of health information electronically.

e.g., select "Laboratory test results" if you can access some, but not all of your laboratory test results electronically.

Select all that apply.

Would you say:

• Laboratory test results
• COVID-19 vaccine records
• Vaccine or immunization records other than for COVID-19
• Current medications and medication history
  Include requests for prescription renewals.
• Patient visit summaries
• Specialist consultation notes or records
• Upcoming appointments
• Forms and questionnaires
• Progress notes
• Discharge summaries
• Medical imaging reports
• Other health information
  • Specify the other health information you have access to.
  OR
• None of the above

The following questions will ask you about all the times that you accessed electronic information about your health in the past 12 months.

Only consider the times that you accessed your own health information.

In the past 12 months, have you accessed any electronic information about your health?

• Yes
• No

In the past 12 months, how many times did you access electronic information about your health?

• 1 to 5 times
• 6 to 10 times
• 11 to 20 times
• 21 to 40 times
• 41 times or more

Thinking of all the times that you accessed electronic information about your health in the past 12 months, what were the types of that electronic information about your health?

Select all that apply.

Were they:

• Laboratory test results
• COVID-19 vaccine records
• Vaccine or immunization records other than for COVID-19
• Current medications and medication history
  Include requests for prescription renewals.
• Patient visit summaries
• Specialist consultation notes or records
• Upcoming appointments
• Forms and questionnaires
• Progress notes
• Discharge summaries
• Medical imaging reports
• Other health information
  • Specify the type of other health information

Thinking of all those times, for which of the following types of electronic information about your health did you ever have to pay out of pocket?

Select all that apply.

• Laboratory test results
• COVID-19 vaccine records
• Vaccine or immunization records other than for COVID-19
• Current medications and medication history
  Include requests for prescription renewals.
• Patient visit summaries
• Specialist consultation notes or records
• Upcoming appointments
• Forms and questionnaires
• Progress notes
• Discharge summaries
• Medical imaging reports
• Other health information
  OR
• Did not have to pay out of pocket

What were the reasons that you accessed electronic information about your health in the past 12 months?

Select all that apply.

Were they:

• A paper copy of your personal health information was not available
• To be more informed about your health
• To better manage your health
• To obtain personal health information quicker
• To progress towards your health goals
• Other
  • Specify the reason

What were the reasons that you did not access any electronic information about your health in the past 12 months?

Select all that apply.

Were they:

• Prefer a paper copy of your personal health information
• Not interested in accessing your personal health information, whether electronic or a paper copy
• Not aware that you were able to access electronic information about your health
• Caregiver, family or friend accessed your personal health information on your behalf
• Cost for electronic information about your health was not affordable
  Exclude indirect costs related to electronic information about your health, such as those for the necessary technology.
• Did not need to access your personal health information
• Not able to access electronic information about your health

What were the reasons that you [prefer a paper copy of your personal health information/were not able to access electronic information about your health/prefer a paper copy of your personal health information or were not able to access electronic information about your health]?

Select all that apply.

Were they:

• Not able to use the necessary technology or not comfortable with technology
  e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer, software, Internet, app
• Had privacy and security concerns
  Include privacy and security concerns related to the space that you would have been accessing electronic information about your health from or the necessary technology that you would have been accessing electronic information about your health with.
• Did not have the necessary technology
  e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer, software, Internet, app
• Health care provider did not offer electronic information about your health
• Had technology issues
  e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer, software, Internet, app
• Did not receive instructions or the instructions were not clear
• Not able to remember your password
• Not able to set up the necessary account or portal
• Other
  • Specify the reason

Electronic personal health information – Most recent time in past 12 months

The following questions will ask you about the most recent time that you accessed electronic information about your health in the past 12 months.

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed electronic information about your health in the past 12 months, what was the type of that electronic information about your health?

Was it:

• Laboratory test results
• COVID-19 vaccine records
• Vaccine or immunization records other than for COVID-19
• Current medications and medication history
  Include requests for prescription renewals.
• Patient visit summaries
• Specialist consultation notes or records
• Upcoming appointments
• Forms and questionnaires
• Progress notes
• Discharge summaries
• Medical imaging reports
• Other health information
  • Specify the type of other health information

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed electronic information about your health in the past 12 months, who was the provider of that electronic information about your health?

Was it:

• Your family doctor
• Your nurse practitioner
• Your other health professional who is your regular health care provider
• A member from your team of health professionals
• A [different] family doctor
• A [different] nurse practitioner
• A medical specialist
  e.g., cardiologists, oncologists
• [A different/Another] health professional
• Laboratory
  Exclude laboratories located in hospitals or medical clinics.
• Hospital
• Medical imaging centre
  Exclude medical imaging centres located in hospitals or medical clinics.
• Medical clinic
• Government health authority
• Other
• Don't know

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed electronic information about your health in the past 12 months, did you experience any of the following challenges?

Select all that apply.

• Had difficulty using the necessary technology or not comfortable with technology
  e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer, software, Internet, app
• Had privacy and security concerns
  Include privacy and security concerns related to the space that you were accessing the electronic information about your health from or the necessary technology that you were accessing the electronic information about your health with.
• Had difficulty obtaining the necessary technology
  e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer, software, Internet, app
• Had technology issues
  e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer, software, Internet, app
• Did not receive instructions or the instructions were not clear
• Not able to remember your password
• Not able to set up the necessary account or portal
• Other
  • Specify the challenge
  OR
• Did not experience any challenges

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed electronic information about your health in the past 12 months, to what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about the information?

a. Able to navigate the information

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

b. Able to modify the information

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

c. Able to share the information

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

d. Able to understand the information

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

Thinking only of the most recent time that you accessed electronic information about your health in the past 12 months, how satisfied were you with the overall experience of accessing that electronic information about your health?

• Very satisfied
• Satisfied
• Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
• Dissatisfied
• Very dissatisfied

Prescription use

The following questions are about your prescription medications. It may be helpful to have a list of all your medications present to answer the following questions.

In the past 12 months, did you have any prescriptions for medications?

Include any medications that were prescribed to you even if you did not fill them.

• Yes
• No

In the past 12 months, how many different medications were you prescribed?

Include daily, weekly, monthly, or one-time medications.

Exclude nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, fibre supplements, antacids, and fish oils.

• Number of different medications

What health conditions or needs were these prescription medications meant to address?

Select all that apply.

• Chronic condition
  Was it:
  • Asthma
  • Chronic lung condition
    e.g., emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Chronic heart disease
  • Diabetes
    Exclude gestational diabetes.
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Liver disease
    e.g., chronic hepatitis
  • High blood pressure
  • Chronic blood disorder
    e.g., sickle cell anemia, hemophilia
  • A weakened immune system
    e.g., due to disease or medication
  • Chronic neurological disorder
    e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease
  • Effects of a stroke
  • Alzheimer's disease or other dementia
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
    e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout
    Exclude fibromyalgia.
  • Eye disease
    e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, retinopathy
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Bowel disorder
    e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bowel incontinence
  • Mood disorder
    e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, mania or dysthymia
  • Anxiety disorder
    e.g., phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or a panic disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Other
    • Specify other chronic condition
• Other
  Was it:
  • An infection
    e.g., bacterial, fungal, viral, parasite
    Exclude over-the-counter medications.
  • Acute physical health condition
    e.g., pain due to burn, broken bone, pulled muscle, or surgical pain
    Include conditions not yet diagnosed.
  • Acute mental health condition
    Include conditions not yet diagnosed.
  • Digestive issues
  • Skin condition
    e.g., acne, eczema, lupus erythematosus
  • Vitamin deficiency
    e.g., iron, B12, D
    Exclude over-the-counter medications.
  • Weight Control or Obesity
  • Contraception
  • Abortion
  • Other
    • Specify health condition or need

Prescription insurance coverage

The following questions are about your access to health insurance.

Do you have insurance that covers all or part of the cost of the majority of your prescription medications?

Include coverage from your own plan or someone else's.

e.g., private, government, employer-paid plans

• Yes
• No
• Don't know

What type of health insurance coverage do you currently have for prescription medications?

Include coverage from own plan or someone else's.

Select all that apply.

Is it:

• Provincial or Territorial Public Drug Plan
  e.g., Ontario Drug Benefit Plan, Quebec Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan, BC PharmaCare
• Federal drug plan
  e.g., through Indigenous Services, Veteran Affairs, Corrections Canada
• Privately purchased plan
• Employer sponsored plan
• Association sponsored plan
  e.g., through union, trade association, or student organization
  OR
• Don't know

What is the maximum amount covered by your prescription medication insurance plan?

Include coverage from own plan or someone else's.

• $1 to $1,499
• $1,500 to $2,499
• $2,500 to $4,999
• $5,000 to $9,999
• $10,000 to $49,999
• $50,000 or more
• Don't know

Have you experienced any of the following challenges with regards to prescription medication insurance programs?

Select all that apply.

• Did not meet coverage or eligibility criteria
• Difficulty in providing supporting documents
• Unclear instructions on application process
• Unclear instructions on how to submit claims
• Difficulty paying out-of-pocket costs
• Prescription drug was not covered by the insurance plan
• Delay or long wait times to get accepted into the insurance plan
• Other
  • Specify other challenge
  OR
• No challenges
  OR
• Have not applied for a prescription insurance program

Out-of-pocket expenses for medications

The following questions are about any out-of-pocket or direct expenses you may have had because of your prescription medications.

In the past 12 months, what was the approximate non-reimbursable out-of-pocket cost for your prescription medications?

Exclude amounts for which you have been or will be reimbursed by any insurance or government program.

• $0
• $1 to $99
• $100 to $249
• $250 to $499
• $500 to $749
• $750 to $999
• $1,000 or more
• Don't know

In the past 12 months, how many of your prescription medications were priced over $10,000 per year, including the cost covered by insurance?

• None
• One
• Two
• Three or more
• Don't know

In the past 12 months, did you face challenges affording your prescription medications?

• Yes
• No

In the past 12 months, how often did you or anyone else in the household do any of the following to pay for your prescription medications?

A. Borrowed money from someone

• Never
• Rarely
• Sometimes
• Often
• Always

B. Took out a new loan or line of credit

• Never
• Rarely
• Sometimes
• Often
• Always

C. Spent less on food, heat, or other basic needs

• Never
• Rarely
• Sometimes
• Often
• Always

D. Spent less on your other healthcare needs

• Never
• Rarely
• Sometimes
• Often
• Always

E. Spent less on your family member's healthcare needs

• Never
• Rarely
• Sometimes
• Often
• Always

Prescription medications – Cost-related non-adherence

In the past 12 months, did you do any of the following because of the cost of your prescription medication?

Select all that apply.

• Not fill or collect a prescription medication
• Skip doses of your medication
• Reduce the dosage of your medication
• Delay filling a prescription
  OR
• None of the above

The following questions concern the most recent time you could not afford to pay for your prescription medication in the past 12 months.

What health conditions or needs were these prescription medications meant to address?

Select all that apply.

• Chronic condition
  Was it:
  • Asthma
  • Chronic lung condition
    e.g., emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Chronic heart disease
  • Diabetes
    Exclude gestational diabetes.
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Liver disease
    e.g., chronic hepatitis
  • High blood pressure
  • Chronic blood disorder
    e.g., sickle cell anemia, hemophilia
  • A weakened immune system
    e.g., due to disease or medication
  • Chronic neurological disorder
    e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease
  • Effects of a stroke
  • Alzheimer's disease or other dementia
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
    e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout
    Exclude fibromyalgia.
  • Eye disease
    e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, retinopathy
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Bowel disorder
    e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bowel incontinence
  • Mood disorder
    e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, mania or dysthymia
  • Anxiety disorder
    e.g., phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or a panic disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Other
    • Specify other chronic condition
• Other
  Was it:
  • An infection
    e.g., bacterial, fungal, viral, parasite
    Exclude over-the-counter medications.
  • Acute physical health condition
    e.g., pain due to burn, broken bone, pulled muscle, or surgical pain
    Include conditions not yet diagnosed.
  • Acute mental health condition
    Include conditions not yet diagnosed.
  • Digestive issues
  • Skin condition
    e.g., acne, eczema, lupus erythematosus
  • Vitamin deficiency
    e.g., iron, B12, D
    Exclude over-the-counter medications.
  • Weight Control or Obesity
  • Contraception
  • Abortion
  • Other
    • Specify the condition or need

The following questions concern the most recent time you had difficulty taking your medication as prescribed because of the cost in the past 12 months.

What was the approximate monthly cost of this prescription medication?

Exclude amounts for which you have been or will be reimbursed by any insurance or government program.

Add total amount for more than one medication.

• $1 to $49
• $50 to $99
• $100 to $249
• $250 to $499
• $500 to $749
• $750 to $999
• $1,000 to $4,999
• $5,000 to $9,999
• $10,000 or more

Did not being able to afford your prescription medication result in any of the following?

Select all that apply.

• Go to the emergency department
• Be admitted to hospital
• Go to the doctor, which you would not have had to do otherwise
• Health got worse due to lack of medication
  OR
• None of the above

Medication Management

The following questions are about the management of your prescription medications.

Do you have any of the following difficulties managing your prescription medications?

Select all that apply.

• Difficulty going to the pharmacy
• Opening bottles, containers, boxes
• Difficulty reading prescription label
• Difficulty following instructions
  e.g., amount of medication to be taken, administration or scheduling of medications
• Difficulty finding information on main effects or side effects of medications
• Difficulty in medication administration
  e.g., injections
• Other
  • Specify the difficulty
  OR
• No difficulties managing prescription medications

How comfortable do you feel having a conversation with a health care provider about your medication concerns or other treatment options?

e.g., concerns regarding side effects, too many medications, medications not addressing symptoms.

• Very comfortable
• Comfortable
• Neutral
• Uncomfortable
• Very uncomfortable

Thinking of the most recent time you were prescribed a medication, which of the following did you discuss with your pharmacist or health care provider?

Select all that apply.

• Reason for taking the medication
• Length of treatment
• Possible side effects
• Dosage and administration
  OR
• None of the above

In the past 12 months, have you been admitted to the hospital for at least one night?

• Yes
• No

Before you left the hospital the most recent time, did a healthcare provider review with you all your prescription medication, including those you were taking before your hospital stay?

• Yes
• No

In the past 12 months, have you faced any of the following issues filling your prescription medications as written by a health care provider?

Select all that apply.

• Pharmacist never received prescription
• Delay in health care provider responding to pharmacist
• Prescription error
• Drug duplication
• Shortage of requested medication
• Dosage needed to be adjusted
• Delay due to specialist testing or lab result needed
• Medication needed to be compounded
• Needed to go to another pharmacy
• Other
  • Specify the issue
  OR
• Did not face any issues

Patient experience with medications

The following questions are regarding your experience with medications.

How are your current medications affecting your quality of life?

• Improving my quality of life
• Maintaining my quality of life
• Worsening my quality of life
• Made no difference in my quality of life

In the past 12 months, have you experienced an adverse drug reaction or side effect from a medication?

An adverse reaction or side effect is a harmful and unintended response to a health product. These can vary in severity from mild to severe. Some examples include itching, rash, hives, blisters, tingling, vision problems, swelling, trouble breathing and dizziness.

• Yes
• No

Was this adverse drug reaction or side effect reported to a health care provider, pharmacist or Health Canada?

• Yes
• No

Did having this adverse drug reaction or side effect from a medication result in any of the following?

Select all that apply.

• Go to the emergency department
• Be admitted to hospital
• Go to the doctor, which you would not have had to do otherwise
• Health got worse due to adverse reaction or side effect
• Absence from school or work
  OR
• None of the above

In the past 12 months, has a health care provider reviewed with you all the prescription medications you take?

• Yes
• No

Did it result in a change in your prescription medications?

Select all that apply.

• Yes, change in medication dose
• Yes, stopped taking medication
• Yes, started taking new medication
• Yes, taking medication in a different way
  e.g., spacing medication differently, taking with food, taking without food
  OR
• No change

Did you take an antibiotic in the past 12 months?

Antibiotics are used to slow the growth of or kill bacteria that cause infections and illnesses.

• Yes
• No
• Don't know

Was the antibiotic effective?

• Yes
• No
• Don't know

Did antibiotic resistance develop?

• Yes
• No
• Don't know

In the past 12 months, did a health care provider refuse to prescribe you a medication that you felt you needed?

• Yes
• No
• Don't know

What health conditions or needs were these prescriptions meant to address?

Select all that apply.

• Chronic condition
  Was it:
  • Asthma
  • Chronic lung condition
    e.g., emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Chronic heart disease
  • Diabetes
    Exclude gestational diabetes.
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Liver disease
    e.g., chronic hepatitis
  • High blood pressure
  • Chronic blood disorder
    e.g., sickle cell anemia, hemophilia
  • A weakened immune system
    e.g., due to disease or medication
  • Chronic neurological disorder
    e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Effects of a stroke
  • Alzheimer's disease or other dementia
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
    e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout
    Exclude fibromyalgia.
  • Eye disease
    e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, retinopathy
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Bowel disorder
    e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bowel incontinence
  • Mood disorder
    e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, mania or dysthymia
  • Anxiety disorder
    e.g., phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or a panic disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Other
    • Specify other chronic condition
• Other
  Was it:
  • An infection
    e.g., bacterial, fungal, viral, parasite
    Exclude over-the-counter medications.
  • Acute physical health condition
    e.g., pain due to burn, broken bone, pulled muscle, or surgical pain
    Include conditions not yet diagnosed.
  • Acute mental health condition
    Include conditions not yet diagnosed.
  • Digestive issues
  • Skin condition
    e.g., acne, eczema, lupus erythematosus
  • Vitamin deficiency
    e.g., iron, B12, D
    Exclude over-the-counter medications.
  • Weight Control or Obesity
  • Contraception
  • Abortion
  • Other
    • Specify other condition

In the past 12 months, did you ever take a lower dose or quantity or stop taking a prescribed medication for the following reasons?

Select all that apply.

• Thought medication was not necessary or less essential
• Thought medication was not effective
• Thought medication was expensive
• Fear of addiction
• Experienced side effects or adverse drug reaction
• Change in medication due to pregnancy
• Drug interactions
• Other
  • Specify other reason
  OR
• Did not take a lower dose or stop taking of a prescription medication

Where do you seek or obtain information related to your prescription medications?

Select all that apply.

Would you say:

• Primary health care provider
• Pharmacist
• Nurse
• Other health care provider
• Television
• Radio
• Newsletter
  Include hard copy or online.
• Internet
• Social media
• Community group or organization
• Family or friends
• Other
  • Specify source of information
  OR
• None of the above

Indigenous identity

Are you First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)?

First Nations (North American Indian) includes Status and Non-Status Indians.

If "Yes", select the responses that best describe this person now.

• No, not First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)
  OR
• Yes, First Nations (North American Indian)
• Yes, Métis
• Yes, Inuk (Inuit)

Are you a Status Indian (Registered or Treaty Indian as defined by the Indian Act of Canada)?

• No
• Yes, Status Indian (Registered or Treaty)

Population group

The following question collects information in accordance with the Employment Equity Act and its Regulations and Guidelines to support programs that promote equal opportunity for everyone to share in the social, cultural, and economic life of Canada.

Select all that apply.

Are you:

• White
• South Asian
  e.g., East Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan
• Chinese
• Black
• Filipino
• Arab
• Latin American
• Southeast Asian
  e.g., Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai
• West Asian
  e.g., Iranian, Afghan
• Korean
• Japanese
• Other
  • Specify other group

Place of birth, immigration and citizenship

Where were you born?

Specify place of birth according to present boundaries.

• Born in Canada
• Born outside Canada

Are you a Canadian citizen?

• Yes, a Canadian citizen by birth
• Yes, a Canadian citizen by naturalization
  Canadian citizen by naturalization refers to an immigrant who was granted Citizenship of Canada under the Citizenship Act.
• No, not a Canadian citizen

Are you a landed immigrant or permanent resident?

A landed immigrant or permanent resident is a person who has been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities.

• No
• Yes

In what year did you first become a landed immigrant or a permanent resident?

If exact year is not known, enter best estimate.

• Year of immigration

Language

Can you speak English or French well enough to conduct a conversation?

• English only
• French only
• Both English and French
• Neither English nor French

What language do you speak most often at home?

• English
• French
• Other
  • Specify other language

What is the language that you first learned at home in childhood and still understand?

If you no longer understand the first language learned, indicate the second language learned.

• English
• French
• Other
  • Specify other language

Sexual orientation

This question collects information on sexual orientation to inform programs that promote equal opportunity for everyone living in Canada to share in its social, cultural, and economic life.

What is your sexual orientation?

Sexual orientation refers to how a person describes their sexuality.

• Heterosexual (i.e., straight)
• Lesbian or gay
• Bisexual or pansexual
• Or please specify
  • Specify your sexual orientation

Education

What is the highest certificate, diploma or degree that you have completed?

• Less than high school diploma or its equivalent
• High school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate
• Trades certificate or diploma
• College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma (other than trades certificates or diplomas)
• University certificate or diploma below the bachelor's level
• Bachelor's degree
  e.g., B.A., B.A. (Hons), B.Sc., B.Ed., LL.B.
• University certificate, diploma or degree above the bachelor's level

Administrative information

To enhance the data from this survey and to minimize the reporting burden for respondents, Statistics Canada will combine your responses with information from the tax data of all members of your household. [Statistics Canada, the provincial ministry of health and the Institut de la statistique du Québec/Statistics Canada and the provincial ministry of health] may also add information from other surveys or administrative sources.

Having a provincial or territorial health number will assist us in linking to this other information. Do you have a provincial or territorial health number?

• Yes
• No

For which province or territory is your health number?

• Province or territory
  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Northwest Territories
  • Nova Scotia
  • Nunavut
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
  • Yukon
  • Does not have a Canadian health number

What is your health number?

Enter a health number for [Newfoundland and Labrador/Prince Edward Island/Nova Scotia/New Brunswick/Quebec/Ontario/Manitoba/Saskatchewan/Alberta/British Columbia/Yukon/the Northwest Territories/Nunavut]. In [Newfoundland and Labrador/Prince Edward Island/Nova Scotia/New Brunswick/Quebec/Ontario/Manitoba/Saskatchewan/Alberta/British Columbia/Yukon/the Northwest Territories/Nunavut], the health number is made up of [twelve numbers/eight numbers/ten numbers/nine numbers/four letters followed by eight numbers/ten numbers. Do not include the two letters at the end for green health cards/nine numbers, beginning with 002 or 003/one letter followed by seven numbers]. Do not insert blanks, hyphens or commas between the numbers.

[Note: In Manitoba, health numbers of a family's members can be listed on the same card. Be sure to capture your health number if there is more than one on the card./Note: In British Columbia, residents may have a combined driver's license and health card. If you have a combined card, the health number is on the back above the barcode.]

• Health number

To avoid duplication of surveys, Statistics Canada may enter into agreements to share the data from this survey with provincial ministries of health [and the Institut de la statistique du Québec]. [The Institut de la statistique du Québec and provincial ministries of health/Provincial ministries of health] may make this data available to local health authorities.

Data shared with your ministry of health [and the Institut de la statistique du Québec] may also include identifiers such as name, address, telephone number and health number. Local health authorities would receive only survey responses and the postal code.]

These organizations have agreed to keep the data confidential and use it only for statistical purposes.

Do you agree to share the data you provided?

• Yes
• No

To reduce the number of questions in this questionnaire, Statistics Canada will use information from your tax forms submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency. With your consent Statistics Canada will share this information from your tax forms with your provincial ministries of health [and the Institut de la statistique du Québec]. These organizations have agreed to keep the information confidential and to use it only for statistical and research purposes.

Do you give Statistics Canada permission to share your tax information with your provincial ministries of health [and the Institut de la statistique du Québec]?

• Yes
• No