August 26, 2022 – The improved impression ratings which Canadians gave to their primary hospital in 2020 – largely out of gratitude and good will during the height of the pandemic – were short-lived, as we now see impression scores dropping significantly in the 2022 iteration of Pollara’s regular sounding on hospital reputation.
With the backlogs faced by many hospitals across Canada, it is not surprising that only a small majority (52%; -9 pts) of Canadians now hold positive overall perceptions of their main community hospital. Mean average scores have dropped across all provinces, with the exception of Saskatchewan.
Positive perceptions of quality of care have also declined significantly, with half (53%) giving a positive score – falling below 2020 (-9) and 2019 (-8) levels. That said, the decline is mainly attributed to more respondents feeling neutral or unsure, rather than feeling negatively about the quality of care. Positive scores drop across all provinces, with the exception of Quebec and Saskatchewan. BC, Manitoba, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada see the highest decline in scores compared to 2020.
Although a majority of Canadians in 2020 held a positive impression of the way their primary hospital has managed and responded to COVID-19, fewer than half (48%; -11pts) now hold a positive opinion on COVID management in 2022 – likely related to public frustration with increased wait times, reduced access, and related backlogs. Positive perceptions have declined across all provinces, with the biggest drops occurring in the Atlantic provinces, Ontario, and Manitoba.
For the full detailed results, please see our report.
