Rising Demand for Digital Health Solutions

Interest in virtual care remains strong among Canadian women, according to a recent report from virtual care platform Maple. Thirty-one percent of women have already accessed virtual care, and among those who haven’t, more than half say they would be open to trying it.

The findings suggest that pandemic-era shifts in care delivery may be evolving into long-term patient preferences. Maple’s report noted that virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and proactive care models are improving access, helping women engage faster and more consistently with the health system. For many, employer-provided benefits have become a critical access point.

Persistent Barriers to Care

The demand for virtual care is emerging against a backdrop of significant dissatisfaction with the healthcare system. In a survey of 1,505 Canadian women conducted by the Angus Reid Forum in April 2025, the majority expressed serious concerns about the adequacy and equity of care:

54% said the system does not meet their needs

76% believe the system is not designed with women in mind

74% feel their health concerns are not taken seriously

43% have experienced delays in receiving appropriate treatment

35% have faced misdiagnoses or delayed diagnoses

The strain is particularly pronounced for women in the “sandwich generation” — middle-aged adults caring for both children and aging parents. Among these women, 93% reported that caregiving responsibilities have negatively impacted their own health.

Long wait times also remain a barrier. Sixty-two percent of respondents reported delaying or skipping care for this reason, with young women aged 18 to 24 most affected.

Maple CEO Brett Belchetz emphasized that structural change is needed. As he put it,

“We won’t fix women’s health care by working around the edges. We need a system that starts earlier, moves faster and delivers care with empathy, agency and trust.”

Designing Effective Virtual Care Benefits

Employers have an important role to play in expanding access to care. According to guidance from Optum, organizations considering virtual care solutions should prioritize the following:

Comprehensive services that include mental health, chronic condition management, and wellness support

Connection to in-person care to improve employee confidence and continuity

Integration with existing benefits for a more seamless experience

Support for strong patient-provider relationships to build trust

Flexibility in delivery so employees can choose when, where, and how to engage

Personalized care pathways that reflect individual health needs

User-friendly digital platforms for easy mobile access and health tracking

With many workers still facing gaps in employer-provided benefits, thoughtful virtual care offerings could help address the needs of an underserved — and increasingly vocal — population of Canadian women.

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