A recent survey conducted by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and Abacus Data unveils a growing reliance on online medical advice among Canadians, prompted by challenges in accessing healthcare professionals. Conducted in November, the survey highlights that 37% of respondents resorted to online resources for medical advice due to the unavailability of doctors or medical professionals. This shift raises significant concerns about the potential spread of health misinformation.
The survey reflects a troubling trend, with 42% of respondents having tried medical advice sourced online. Alarmingly, 23% reported experiencing negative health impacts or adverse reactions as a result. Dr. Joss Reimer, president of the CMA, expressed grave concern over these findings, emphasizing the risks associated with unverified online health information.
“There is no other generation that's been exposed to so much misinformation, but also had to face the hardship of a health-care system that is overtaxed and not meeting their needs,”
- Dr. Joss Reimer
The data reveals that 31% of participants opted for online advice over guidance from healthcare professionals. This trend underscores the pressing issue of a healthcare system struggling to meet demand. According to Employment and Social Development Canada, Canada has fewer doctors per capita compared to other countries in the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development. The projection indicates that from 2022 to 2031, there will be nearly 48,900 job openings for general practitioners and family physicians, while only 29,400 job seekers are expected to fill these roles, resulting in a shortage of approximately 20,000 doctors.
One in five Canadians, an estimated 6.5 million individuals, lack regular access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner. This shortage exacerbates the problem, as Dr. Reimer explains:
“When people don't have access to those trusted relationships with health-care providers, they're going to go online to get that information,”
- Dr. Joss Reimer
The survey involved 3,727 adult Canadians. Although it cannot be assigned a margin of error due to the non-random nature of online surveys, the results shed light on a critical issue. Dr. Reimer advocates for a more integrated and accessible healthcare system as a potential solution.
“I know that our physicians feel passionate about being able to provide information to their patients, so I do want people to feel comfortable asking questions to their doctor,”
- Dr. Joss Reimer
“That is absolutely what we're here for and what we want to be there for.”
- Dr. Joss Reimer
The CMA attributes the shortage of doctors to various factors impacting the healthcare sector's ability to meet public demand effectively.
