Connecting Care: Telehealth Access and Preferences Among Immigrants in Ontario
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an accelerated adoption of telehealth, originally showcased as having potential to improve access to care for all. Yet numerous studies have shown that access to telehealth may not be equitable for immigrants.
Objective
Given the increased adoption of telehealth, it is important to characterize immigrants’ level of access to telehealth and characterize barriers to telehealth access. This research project aims to describe the current levels of access to telehealth, the experiences and modality preferences among immigrants in Ontario, as well as examine immigrants’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators of using video and telephone.
Research Questions
- What are the current levels of access to telehealth among immigrants in Ontario, and how do preferences for telehealth modalities (video vs. telephone) vary across immigrant groups?
What barriers and facilitators shape immigrants’ experiences with telehealth, and how do these factors influence their willingness and ability to use telehealth services?
Methodology
The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, using health administrative data, surveys and interviews.
Status
The project is currently ongoing.
Expected completion date: March 2027
Key words
Telehealth; immigrant health; access to care; health equity; Ontario