Overview

The Ministry of Health uses a telephone survey to get information on Ontarian’s experiences with the health care system and uses the information collected to plan for future health care programs and policies. Among other topics, information collected include:

  • Ontarians’ experiences accessing primary care
  • after-hours access
  • use of emergency departments
  • virtual care
  • walk-in clinics
  • patient-centered care
  • system integration

Collection of survey responses

Answers to the survey questions are collected over the telephone. The questions are asked by an interviewer. The Ministry of Health has selected the Institute for Social Research (ISR) at York University to ask the survey questions and provide the answers to the ministry.

Households are randomly selected to participate in the survey. These households are sent letters in advance to let them know they will be receiving a call from ISR, and what the reason for the call is.

The survey is offered in English or French and takes about 15 minutes to complete.

Survey questions

The Health Care Experience Survey asks Ontarians:

  • their views about and experience with the Ontario health care system
  • if they, or anyone living in their household, have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, and how long it takes them to see their doctor
  • sociodemographic information (such as age, income level, education, employment, ethnicity, postal code immigration status and how many people living in their household)
  • the status of their health (any chronic conditions)
  • if they have been to an emergency room or a walk-in clinic

Responding to the survey and your privacy

You do not have to answer any questions you do not want to. If you decide to stop the interview, you can ask to have the rest of your answers erased.

Some but not all Ontarians are asked to complete the survey. These Ontarians are randomly chosen from across all areas of the province. Only adults aged 16 years and older are asked to complete the survey. These adults are asked if they are parents or guardians of children living in their household. If they are, they are asked about just one of their children. They are asked whether this child has a doctor and how they have obtained care.

Your privacy

Your privacy is very important. The information that is collected for the ministry by ISR is protected by law, and no identifying information will be reported.

For more details, please view our Privacy statement.

Contact us

For more information about the Health Care Experience Survey, please contact:

John Hill
Manager, Health Analytics and Insights Branch
Ministry of Health
416-809-3213