[1]TELUS [1] is making access to reliable, verified Canadian healthcare information online a snap with My Health Reference [2], a new health reference internet portal designed to help Canadians find the relevant information and tools they need to take better care of their health and the health of their loved ones.
A recent national poll by Vision Critical found 72 per cent of Canadians are concerned with the reliability of healthcare information they find online, yet 53 per cent still use the Internet as their primary health information reference. The Vision Critical poll of 1,500 Canadians was conducted from December 19 to December 22, 2011.
“Technology has empowered us with convenient, fast access to health information. Yet much of the online information is unverified. myhealthreference.com will allow Canadians to quickly find credible, reliable and expert-reviewed health information for themselves and their families,” said Paul Lepage, senior vice-president, TELUS Health Solutions.
With 66 per cent of Canadians seeking a single point for online health information, the new site will deliver current content, reviewed articles and specialized functions to make the consumer experience “future friendly”.
The new site includes access to:
- Web and mobile tools such as a symptom checker, self-assessment modules, healthy habits guides and smoking cessation programs
- Powerful search feature that “learns” from user trends and health news to deliver relevant, credible content to returning visitors
- Reliable reference content and news from trusted Canadian sources covering health topics from A to Z
- Advice from physicians, pharmacists, naturopaths and nutritionists, as well as information to find specialized local resources
The Vision Critical survey also revealed that:
- 90 per cent of women identified themselves as the primary health seekers in the family
- 70 per cent of mothers first look to the Internet to gather health advice for their children
- 94 per cent of mothers prefer a website with information from a Canadian reference
- 66 per cent of Canadians have used online health information for positive results
- 25 per cent of Quebecers do not have a family physician. The highest rate from all provinces surveyed (17% BC, 14% AB, 8% MB/SK, 10% ON, 13% ATL)
- 33 per cent of Canadians over 55 say it’s difficult to find dietary tips for specific chronic health conditions