New survey asks Islanders to rate health service experiences

Health PEI is asking Islanders for input on the future of community-based health care through an online or print survey.

• Health PEI sends out health survey

• Health PEI 3-year strategic plan needs Islanders' input

"Community-based health services are important as they are the first point of contact a person or family has with the health care system and it is important that we do everything we can to best meet their needs from the moment they walk through our doors," said Dr. Andr Celliers, family doctor and Health PEImedical directorforwestern P.E.I., in a written release.

"This survey is an opportunity for every Islander to tell us what their health service experiences have been to date and what services we need to give more attention to so that we can make them better for our patients and more accessible in communities across the province."

Health PEI will use the survey results for planning purposes.

The survey asks for feedback on community-based services including primary care, chronic disease management, cancer screening, public health, children's developmental services, home care, palliative care, geriatric care andcommunity-based mental health and addiction services.

"This survey provides Health PEI with useful information to guide the development of community-based health care which is very important to Islanders, particularly seniors," added Minister of Health and Wellness Robert Henderson.

The government carried out a similar survey in 2011, in which it said 12,000 Islanders participated.

The results helped guide officials in decisionmaking around education and support for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, COPD and high blood pressure, increased screening for young children and better access to mental health and addictions services.

Health PEI said it has also improved access to sameday and nextday appointments for doctors and nurse practitioners.

The surveyhas beenmailed to 12,000 households, and can also be completed online in French and English before April 22. Find it online athttp://www3.gov.pe.ca/survey/index.php?sid=99642&lang=en.

Three-quartersof Islanderswho responded to a primary care survey in 2013were women, and most were between 60 and 70 years old, which Health PEI said skewed the results.They also said in-house analysis took much longer than expected, and planned to hire an outside company next time.

The current survey will be done in-house, officials said Friday.

All responses are anonymous and confidential, the release said.