We Ask Because We Care: Health Equity Data Collection at Sunnybrook

Sunnybrook is collecting social information from our patients to find out who we serve and whether their needs are being met equally.

What to expect

When you arrive at Sunnybrook for an appointment, you may be asked to complete a demographic questionnaire related to your race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, income and more. The answers you provide to these questions help improve the quality of health care for you and everyone at Sunnybrook, and also helps us better understand the unique needs of our patients. The survey is not mandatory and your care will not be impacted whether you participate or not.

Why we do this

All hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area have been mandated by Ontario Health to collect health equity information. Additionally, the Ontario Human Rights Commission strongly encourages organizations to collect and use demographic information to keep track of the quality of services provided and promote greater equity. Also, Ontario’s Excellent Care for All Act requires health-care organizations to collect information from patients about their experience as part of how they deliver quality health care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 .What is demographic data?

Demographic data refers to information that is collected to better understand a given population. Examples include age, race, sex, employment status, education, and income.

2. Why is the Sunnybrook collecting patient demographic data?

The information you share will help us understand access to care, experiences, and health outcomes. We will use this information to improve care and services.

3. Is it illegal to ask me these questions?

No. On the contrary, the Ontario Human Rights Code encourages the collection of this data to monitor discrimination and promote equity.

4. What are you going to do with my information?

Your answers will be used by Sunnybrook to get a sense of who our patients are, plan for services and ensure we are providing the best care for all. For example:

• This data will allow us to examine whether patient health is impacted by factors such as language, disability, gender, etc.
• This information will be reviewed and used for program development and service training.

5. Who can see my information?

Your information will be visible only to your health-care team, and protected like all your other health information. If used in research, this information will be combined with data from all other patients and no one will be personally identified.

6. Why are you asking me about my sexual orientation (disability, race, etc.)?

Your answers will help us provide care and information that meets your needs. For example, we can use that information to match you with services, programs, and/or resources you may not have been aware of. In addition, we know that sometimes people experience discrimination in healthcare. We want to make sure that is not happening here and if it is, we want to correct that.

7. Why are you asking me about my place of birth?

We want to make sure that no matter where you come from, or what your status is, you get the best care possible.

8. Why do you need to know how much money I earn? Do you report this to any agency?

No, we don’t give your information to anyone. Knowledge about income will help us inform you about services you may be eligible for and provide support for any unique needs. Research also tells us that different income groups, especially low-income individuals may experience poorer health or receive a different level of care than higher income people. We want to make sure that this doesn’t happen here and want to know if it does happen.

9. I’m only here for a quick appointment. How is this relevant to my care?

It is important for us to know who we serve. When we ask, we learn about our patients’ diverse needs and what types of supports or services might be helpful. By collecting this information from everyone who walks through our doors, we become better at planning for quality care and patient-centred services.

10. Do I have to participate?

No. Answering these questions is voluntary. Your answers will not affect your care.

11. What if there are questions that I don’t want to answer?

If you do not want to answer a question, please choose “prefer not to answer”.