With over 12,000 Canadians surveyed, the annual survey captures national insights on how Canadians use and experience digital health services. This year’s findings point to two clear trends: Canadians are embracing digital health as a standard part of care, and they expect to be able to access and share their health information easily and securely.
Digital Health is the New Normal
This year’s survey data shows Canadians are rapidly adopting digital health solutions, including 41% of respondents saying they have received electronic confirmation of a referral appointment with a specialist.
These tools are helping to streamline communication, reduce delays, and support patients stay connected to their care teams—making healthcare more efficient and responsive
As usage increases, so do expectations: Canadians now see digital access, personalization, and convenience as basic components of modern care. This new normal reinforces the need for connected systems that enable real-time, secure information exchange across settings and providers, and directly to patients. This ensures care is not only digital, but also coordinated, efficient, and responsive to patient needs.
Access to Health Information Empowers Canadians
The majority of Canadians want to play a more active role in their care, and access to personal health information is a key part of that.
- 89% of Canadians are interested in viewing their health records digitally.
- 47% have accessed their personal health information online – up from 39% in 2023.
- Yet only 1 in 5 have access to a complete view of their health record.
Notably, access is now only part of the story. Canadians are also sharing their information to improve their care. Of those who created a point-in-time health summary online, 43% have shared it with a provider, reflecting growing patient engagement and empowerment.
With an increasing number of Canadians now accessing and sharing their health information, both the need and the expectation for connected, patient-centered systems that provide timely and secure access to health information have never been greater.
Comfort with AI in Healthcare is Growing
Awareness and comfort with artificial intelligence (AI) tools in healthcare are still developing, but there is a positive trend among those who have used them, especially when they enhance the care experience:
- 67% of patients whose providers used AI voice recognition felt their provider spent more time focusing on them.
- 50% believe these tools can improve patient-provider interactions.
- 38% say they would choose to use AI voice recognition in future healthcare visits.
As AI becomes more integrated into clinical workflows, its potential to reduce administrative burden, enhance communication, and support faster, more personalized care will be key to its continued acceptance. Canadians are signaling a willingness to embrace AI when it clearly adds value to their care.
Supporting a More Connected, Patient-Centered System
The Canadian Digital Health Survey is conducted annually by Canada Health Infoway to inform policy makers, governments, clinicians, researchers, patient communities, and more. It helps track progress on digital health adoption and provides evidence to guide the sustainable advancement of connected, equitable, and patient-directed care across Canada.
This year’s results provide critical insights into what Canadians expect from the future of care. Infoway remains committed to supporting provinces, territories, and partners across the health system to ensure that Canadians have timely access to the digital services, information, and tools they need to live healthier lives.
To learn more and view all the findings of the 2024 Canadian Digital Health Survey, visit the Infoway Insights interactive data and analytics hub.
About Canada Health Infoway
At Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) we believe a more connected and collaborative system is a healthier system, and one that leads to better health outcomes for all Canadians. By leveraging digital technologies and innovations, we’re working with governments, healthcare organizations, clinicians, and patients to advance connected care across the country. This improves care coordination, empowers patients to have a more active role in managing their health, and equips care providers with information and insights to support better care both at the point of care and throughout their patients' health journey. Most importantly, it modernizes our health care system towards a future with patient-centered care at its heart.
We’re an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government and accountable to our Board of Directors and Members of the Corporation (Canada’s 14 federal, provincial and territorial deputy ministers of health). Infoway is led by a team of seasoned professionals who are specialists in their respective fields, including health care, administration, information technology and privacy. Visit us online at www.infoway-inforoute.ca.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Haley Armstrong
Senior Director, Communications and Public Relations
Canada Health Infoway
647-713-9459
Email Us
Follow @Infoway