Canadians delay medical advice despite health issues, report shows
- A report from Maple reveals that 50 percent of Canadians hesitate to seek medical advice despite having health concerns.
- The survey indicates that systemic barriers prevent timely access to healthcare, with 81 percent of Canadians reporting difficulties in obtaining proactive care.
- Reforms are essential to enhance patient empowerment and improve access to timely medical services, mitigating the burden on the healthcare system.
Canada's healthcare landscape faces significant challenges, as evidenced by a report released on October 22, 2024, by Maple, a leading virtual healthcare platform. The report highlights a concerning trend: 50 percent of Canadians delay seeking medical advice despite health issues. This delay can lead to severe health consequences, as many wait until minor problems escalate into major health concerns. The survey, conducted with 1,510 Canadians, revealed that systemic barriers prevent timely access to care, with 81 percent indicating difficulties in accessing proactive healthcare. Furthermore, the report notes a critical shortage of primary care providers, leaving many Canadians, especially women, feeling unsupported and guilty for using an already burdened health system for non-urgent concerns. Alarmingly, nearly half of Canadians feel they lack control over their own healthcare, with 86 percent wishing to consult a doctor more frequently. The consequences of delayed healthcare are not only detrimental to individual health outcomes but also strain the national healthcare resources, increasing the need for costly interventions. Statistics indicate that at least 35 percent of deaths among those under 75 could be avoidable through proactive care. The report underscores the urgent need for reforms within Canada's healthcare system to empower patients and improve access to timely medical attention, advocating for technology's role in bridging these gaps and promoting proactive care over reactive measures.