A new survey from the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, conducted on over 1200 people with conditions and their caregivers, found that approximately half of respondents rated virtual care as good as in person care. Eight in ten of survey respondent found that virtual care was more convenient.
The survey’s other main finding, that those with heart disease (HD), stroke and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) are feeling highly vulnerable during the pandemic, might make patients happiness with virtual care more impactful.
The survey found that three in four of those living with HD, stroke or VCI were worried about contracting COVID-19. Almost two thirds of those living with these conditions were concerned about going to the hospital if they required medical attention.
Additionally, this survey found that those living with HD, stroke and VCI, were also concerned about worsening mental health, due to increasing levels of isolation. Almost half of those living with these conditions reported concerns about their mental health, with 48% reporting feeling anxious or nervous.
Furthermore, healthcare concerns were raised by caregivers themselves. Many caregivers, around three in four, reported worrying about catching COVID-19, and thus compromising their role. They also reported high levels of emotional concern, with 58% feeling anxious or nervous.
