Survey results from 2002 to 2007 on questions of who pays for health care, and how, show some notable differences in perspective between the respondent groups.
From 2005 to 2007, the survey asked about the effects of allowing Canadians to purchase private health insurance for services already covered. Responses varied noticeably from group to group. More pharmacists and fewer managers and public agreed that it would "result in shorter waiting times." Fewer doctors than members of other groups agreed that it would "lead to a shortage of doctors and nurses in the public system, as they leave to work in a new private system." Doctors were also less likely to agree that it would "create a two-tier system," while nurses were most likely to agree that it would. Managers were least likely of all groups to agree that it would "improve access to health care services for everyone." The public, nurses, and managers were more likely to agree that it would "result in increasing costs of health care." Fewer managers and more pharmacists agreed that it would "lead to improved quality in health care services." View the full data table. View graphs.
From 2002 to 2005, the public was asked whether it would be "willing to pay more, either out-of-pocket or tax payments, to increase the range of services offered or improve the timeliness of care provided by the health care system." In each year, a majority said "yes," but the number dropped between 2002 and 2004, rebounding slightly in 2005. View the full data table. View graphs.
From 2004 to 2006, members of all groups were asked whether they supported allowing individuals to pay out of their own pockets for faster access. The question was modified each year, but the responses showed a consistent divide between two groupings: a clear majority of doctors and pharmacists supported it all three years, while only a minority of nurses, managers, and the public supported it at any time. View the full data table. View graphs.
In 2005 and 2006, all groups were also asked whether they would be willing to pay out of their own pockets for faster access. Doctors and pharmacists again had the largest number of respondents saying "yes," while the public had the fewest. View the full data table. View graphs.
In 2005, 2006, and 2007, those surveyed were asked for their responses to statements about coverage for prescription medications. The respondent groups split fairly clearly into two sets in their responses to these questions: for each statement, the public and nurses said they "strongly agree" in significantly greater numbers than did doctors, pharmacists, and managers. View the full data table. View graphs.
From 2003 to 2006, the public and (until 2005) health care providers were polled on their support for contracting publicly covered services out to private clinics. Responses on this subject were mixed and varied. Total support increased from 2003 to 2005 for doctors, pharmacists, and managers, and remained in the majority for all groups, but the percentage expressing strong support fluctuated over a smaller range with a less clear trend. View the full data table. View graphs.