Re-imagining digital health compassion through the lens of Canadian newcomers

Scientist at the Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care at Women’s College Hospital

Virtual care can be beneficial, but it can also result in Canadian newcomers (landed immigrants and refugees) being excluded within the health care system. This can add to the stress they experience from adjusting to a new country and system. As the use of virtual care becomes the new normal within primary care, it is critical to leave no one behind. Ibukun’s project will first, explore if and how virtual care is perceived by newcomers to deliver compassionate care; that is, in a way that is responsive, preserves dignity and enables positive patient-provider interactions. Second, her project will look at the potential implications of the experience newcomers have with virtual care on their trust in the health care system and on their health seeking behavior.