Exploring Healthcare Equity: How to Increase Satisfaction for Non-Francophone Immigrants Using Telemedicine Services
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the rapid adoption of digital health tools, particularly telemedicine, which has transformed how healthcare is delivered in Canada. Telemedicine improves access to care and supports national goals of health equity, especially for populations facing geographic or systemic barriers. However, Canada’s linguistic diversity also raises important questions about whether digital health services are equally accessible across language groups.
In Quebec, where French-first policies shape many aspects of healthcare delivery, telemedicine services may not consistently address the linguistic and cultural needs of non-francophone patients. This can create barriers for immigrant and minority-language communities seeking care through virtual platforms. This study explores how telemedicine experiences can be improved for non-francophone immigrant patients in Quebec by identifying and addressing linguistic and cultural barriers that impact user satisfaction and access to care.