Table 3.

Quotes illustrating main themes in free text response question

Primary themes
Concerns about privacy of medical records in general	‘Privacy is a big issue’ ‘Only concern is confidentiality’ ‘Use of spyware or ‘hacking’ to obtain personal health information’ ‘Only regarding privacy & ensuring that my health card # and health info (records) are not accessible to others.’
The loss of human connection/interaction and communication with clinicians	‘Loss of personal dialogue’ ‘I prefer to discuss my problems in person’ ‘I might not be as comfortable discussing health problems online as in person.’
Secondary themes
A lack of understanding of what eHealth is and how it is used	‘Not sure what it is exactly and what personal information it would entail using’
Inclusiveness and cost if patients need to purchase new technology to be included	‘Cost to me. I would be forced to purchase & maintain high speed internet and devices to facilitate eHealth.’
Concerns about accuracy based on eHealth system errors already experienced (eg, double bookings in online appointments)	‘Double bookings, bookings not being noticed on either end.’
Cost to tax payer/previously inefficient system	‘How much will it cost the tax payers’ ‘Is this the same as the other (eHealth) mess the Ontario Government has tried to implement’