Table 3.

Reasons for avoidance, healthcare alternatives and perceived impact on care*

Survey response categories	No. (%)
Reason behind not going to the ED†
Fear of contracting COVID-19	50 (89.3%)
Concerns about hospitals being overwhelmed	4 (7.1%)
Concerns about hospitals receiving patients with COVID-19	4 (7.1%)
Other reasons	4 (7.1%)
Alternatives sought for acute complaints†
None, postponed seeking medical care	9 (16.1%)
Messaged or called a doctor	26 (46.4%)
Arranged for a home visit	10 (17.9%)
Visited a clinic	14 (25.0%)
Used telehealth	0 (0.0%)
Other	8 (14.3%)
Impact on care
Believed that the alternatives sought yielded better quality of care	3 (5.4%)
Believed that the alternatives sought yielded worse quality of care	17 (30.4%)
Alternatives sought had no impact on quality of care	36 (64.3%)

*In those who had acute symptoms and did not visit the ED (n=56).

†Multiple answers were allowed.

ED, emergency department.