Sociodemographic Data

Gathering information for better care: sociodemographic data

The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) recognizes and embraces our profound social responsibilities to our community. One of those responsibilities is to address the systemic racism, discrimination and inequities pervasive in the health-care system. Read why we are collecting sociodemographic information from patients, and how it will help us provide better care.

Frequently asked questions

What is sociodemographic data? 

Sociodemographic data is information about a person’s social background, such as their education, religion and employment, and their demographic background, such as their age, gender, income, ethnicity and race.

Why is TOH collecting sociodemographic data?  

Collecting sociodemographic data is an important part of TOH’s promise to treat everyone fairly and help make sure everyone has access to quality care.

For example, gathering information about the different backgrounds of the people we serve can help us make policies and programs that respect unique cultural and religious practices and beliefs. That way, our staff can give culturally sensitive care to our patients, and patients have a better overall experience at our hospital.

In other words, the sociodemographicinformation we gather helps us understand who our patients are, make sure that our hospital is welcoming, and make health care better and more accessible to people in our community and beyond.

Do I have to answer sociodemographic questions?  

No. You can select “prefer not to answer” to any or all questions. Choosing not to answer these questions will not impact the care you receive at TOH.  

How will my sociodemographic data help TOH? 

Sharing this information helps us in three important ways:

1. Your answers help us identify the barriers our community is facing so that we can take steps towards improving the quality of care that we provide at TOH.
2. Your answers help us to make better decisions about how we use resources, do research and make hospital policies.  
3. Your answers help us better understand the different factors that influence health outcomes, access to care and how often diseases occur.

Are my answers confidential?

Only your care team will have access to the sociodemographic information you provide that is relevant to the care you receive at TOH, such as your preferred language and accessibility needs.  

Other sociodemographic information provided through patient experience surveys, will be aggregated (grouped together) with answers from other people.  All reports will be de-identified so that your answers cannot be linked back to you. (See the “How will you protect my privacy?” section below.) 

Where and when do I give my answers?

At the hospital, we will ask you sociodemographic questions during registration.  We might ask about your preferred pronouns, preferred language and accessibility needs. With your permission, we will share this information with your care team so that they can provide you with care that respects your preferences and includes any accommodation you need. You can also add your sociodemographic information in MyChart.

We may email you a patient experience survey after your visit to TOH.  This survey includes an “about you” section where you can share your sociodemographic information.

Will my answers affect the care I receive at TOH?

No. If you choose to give answers, the answers you give at the hospital, in MyChart and in your patient experience survey will not impact the care that you receive at TOH.  

Who will have access to my information?  

Only your care team has access to your personal health information, including the sociodemographic information you provide. Staff are allowed to access only the information they need to support your care.

Sometimes, personal health information is aggregated (grouped together) and de-identified to better understand our patients and to improve the quality of care. This information cannot be linked back to you.  For more information, please read The Ottawa Hospital’s Privacy Policy.

How is this data stored?  

Your sociodemographic data is part of your health record. Health records are stored following Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).

TOH also uses special safeguards.  For example, all hospital staff learn how to protect personal health information and must sign an agreement to protect it.  All health records are stored on Canadian servers and can only be accessed for purposes authorized by TOH.  

How will you protect my privacy? 

We take your privacy seriously and follow strict rules to keep your personal health information safe.

Any sociodemographic information that you share after you receive care at TOH, like in patient experience surveys, cannot be traced back to you.  We will remove any personal, identifying information, like your name, from your answers.  The information in your answers will be mixed in with information from all other patients so that we can better understand the needs of our patient populations and ensure everyone is treated fairly and equitably.  

What if I identify with more than one race and/or ethnicity?  

You can select multiple races and/or ethnicities for that question.  

Why is Jewish included as an ethnicity?  

When we talk about ethnicity, we mean groups of people who share things like where they come from, their cultural traditions, language, and sometimes their religion. Jewish communities are an ethnoreligious group – an ethnic group that also shares the same religious background.  

How did TOH select the response options for sociodemographic questions?  

We selected the questions and response options based on recommendations from organizations such as the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the Ontario Hospital Association, and Statistics Canada.  We also relied on recommendations from experts in equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. 

If you have any comments on the questions or answers, please call the Department of Patient Relations at 613-798-5555 ext. 13377 or fill out the feedback form.  

Do other hospitals collect sociodemographic information? 

Yes, lots of hospitals across Canada collect sociodemographic information about the patients they serve.  

Is it legal to ask me these questions?  

Yes.  According to the Ontario Human Rights Code, collecting sociodemographic data is not just legal, but encouraged when the purpose is to stop discrimination and promote equity.  

Can I change, remove or update my data? 

Yes.  You can update your information in MyChart or by contacting The Ottawa Hospital’s Health Records Department.  

Who can I contact if I have more questions?  

Please contact the Department of Patient Relations at 613-798-5555 ext. 13377 or fill out the feedback form.  

Last updated on: July 22nd, 2024