How technology helps Canadians take control of their health

In nearly every aspect of life, technology has empowered Canadians to take control. From scheduling appointments to managing finances or ordering groceries, we’ve become adept at leveraging tools to simplify our daily routines.

Yet, when it comes to healthcare, this sense of control fades — with tangible consequences. 

According to our first-of-its-kind report, Health on Hold: The Need to Unlock a Proactive Care Future in Canada, nearly half of Canadian adults don’t feel in control of their healthcare. More concerning, 50% of Canadians delay seeking medical advice despite having health concerns.

Delays can turn manageable conditions into serious health crises — what could have been addressed with a routine checkup or preventive screening, like detecting high cholesterol early, may instead progress to chronic disease or preventable hospitalizations. Proactive care is a critical solution for both individuals and the healthcare system; one study of countries with universal healthcare, including Canada, shows that every $1 invested in preventative healthcare saves an estimated $14 in costs to the health system and the economy in the future.  Yet, despite its clear benefits, proactive care remains largely inaccessible for many Canadians.

Technology has the potential to bridge this gap. Just as digital tools have transformed banking, shopping and communication, they can also play a crucial role in making proactive healthcare more accessible. Virtual care, AI-driven diagnostics and digital health platforms can help Canadians take control of their health, reducing barriers and shifting the system from reactive to preventive care.

Continued problems with barriers

The struggle to access proactive care is yet another symptom of a healthcare system in crisis. Right now, an estimated 6.5 million Canadians are without a primary care provider— an important gateway to preventive care. Primary care providers do more than treat illness; they build long-term relationships, track health history, address concerns before they escalate and connect patients to specialists when needed. Without them, many Canadians are left navigating their health alone.

When Canadians do try to be proactive about their care, they encounter significant barriers. According to our report — which was based on a survey conducted by Maple among members of the Angus Reid Forum — long wait times, limited appointment availability and a shortage of primary care providers rank among the biggest obstacles to accessing care.

These challenges deter many from seeking care until it becomes unavoidable. “I’ve more or less given up on ever receiving proactive care, and feel I’m compelled to wait until I become seriously ill or injured before receiving medical care of any kind,” said one survey respondent.

Women, in particular, face additional hurdles. Per the report, 55% of Canadian women delay seeking medical advice despite concerns, compared to 45% of Canadian men. And, 21% of Canadian women feel dissuaded from seeking support unless necessary, compared to 15% of Canadian men.

Paging Dr. Google

Without accessible, proactive care options, Canadians are turning to a familiar but flawed resource: Google. A staggering 77% of Canadians have used Google to research health concerns instead of consulting a healthcare professional. This trend is even more pronounced among women, with 82% searching online for answers.

While this approach provides quick information, it is far from an ideal solution. Online medical information is often misleading and generic, failing to account for individual health nuances. False diagnosis can also lead to self-medicating and DIY treatments that can make the condition worse.

This highlights the need for more reliable, accessible options for Canadians seeking proactive care.

Self-diagnosis is not the solution

Relying on self-diagnosis through Google is a stopgap measure born of necessity, not preference. It underscores the urgent need for accessible, professional healthcare options. Canadians deserve a system that empowers them to take charge of their health through timely and accurate medical advice.

Self-diagnosis may offer some reassurance, but it cannot replace the expertise of licensed medical professionals. Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment can have severe consequences, from worsening health outcomes to lost wages spent waiting for care. Proactive care provided by professionals is the only effective way to address these challenges.

Yet for many without a family doctor, proactive care can feel out of reach or even undefined. Patients may be unsure about important tests, and widespread uncertainty around what proactive care actually entails: What’s included in a routine blood test? When should someone have a mammogram or a pap smear?

These aren’t questions that Google can reliably answer—and it certainly can’t order a blood requisition or refer someone for an ultrasound. That’s where services like Maple become essential, helping to bridge the gap between intent and access in preventive care.

Virtual care and technology: a path to proactive health solutions

Technology offers a promising pathway to enable proactive care. Virtual care platforms, like Maple, provide direct access to doctors and specialists, helping Canadians address health concerns before they become critical. This shift can significantly reduce the strain on emergency services while improving long-term health outcomes.

Apps and wearables already make it possible for Canadians to monitor their health and engage in preventive care. These personal devices can track important biological data, including:

• Blood oxygen saturation
• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Respiratory rate
• Sleep patterns

When people have a clear understanding of their health, they can feel empowered and more confident in their decisions and proactive about taking the right steps to stay well. 

This seamless integration of technology and healthcare isn’t just a possibility — it’s happening now. Platforms like Maple offer Canadians access to primary care providers 24/7 in minutes, or direct access to specialists, allowing them to address health concerns proactively and interpret these readings and early health concerns — no matter how small — from the comfort of their homes.

By leveraging these tools, Canadians can manage chronic conditions, schedule the preventative screening they need and stay on top of their health like never before.

A path forward

Investing in technology to support proactive care is a win-win for individuals and the system. Tools like automated health reminders, virtual consultations and digital platforms for scheduling can make care more accessible, efficient and personalized.

By embracing technology and prioritizing proactive care, Canada has the opportunity to transform its healthcare system. Read our full report on the benefits of proactive care and how tech and virtual healthcare can offer a solution, and learn more about how Maple can help your organization.