Many Canadians with chronic conditions avoiding doctors during pandemic
Published April 5, 2021 at 11:37 pm
Have you been avoiding hospitals lately?
A recent survey from Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. found that many Canadians living with chronic conditions—such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or obesity—have been reluctant to seek proactive care during the pandemic.
According to the findings, since the onset of the pandemic, 56 per cent of those with a chronic condition have only seen their physician in-person, while 38 per cent have been avoiding the health care system altogether.
Additionally, 13 per cent of those with a chronic condition have not had an in-person or virtual visit with their doctor over the last 13 months.
“Offering virtual care is good for patients, health care providers and the system, too. Especially in this pandemic environment, virtual medicine can facilitate delivering care. It can always be beneficial for people who live in a remote area or if they have mobility limitations,” Seema Nagpal, vice-president of Science and Policy for Diabetes Canada, said in a news release.
“Electronic consults can help primary care providers obtain the advice of specialists for their patients. Many people affected by diabetes find virtual visits to be convenient; they experience high-quality clinical care and are able to access the support they need in the virtual setting,” she continued.
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