Read short scenarios and tell us what you would do. Your answers help PATHS understand how people in Vaughan make healthcare decisions.
All responses are completely anonymous. No name, student ID, or identifying information is collected.
Section 0 — Participant Consent & Information
About this survey
This survey is part of the PATHS Research Network, a student-led community health research initiative. It asks you to read short health-related scenarios and decide what you would do. There are no right or wrong answers — we are trying to understand how people make decisions about healthcare.
Your rights
Your participation is completely voluntary. You may skip any question or stop at any time without penalty. All responses are anonymous — we do not collect your name, student ID, or any identifying information.
For participants under 18
By completing this survey, you confirm that a parent or guardian has been informed and has not objected to your participation. A parental information letter has been distributed separately.
I have read the information above and agree to participate voluntarily.
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Optional
Section 1 — Demographics
These questions are optional. Answers help us understand patterns across different groups. Do not include your name.
1. How old are you?
Under 14
14–15
16–17
18+
Please select an option to continue.
2. What grade are you in?
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Other
Please select an option to continue.
3. What language is most commonly spoken at home?
English
Mandarin / Cantonese
Hindi / Punjabi
Italian
Other
Please select an option to continue.
4. Were you born in Canada?
Yes
No
Prefer not to say
Please select an option to continue.
5. How many times have you visited a doctor or clinic in the past 12 months (roughly)?
0
1–2
3–5
More than 5
Not sure
Please select an option to continue.
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Section 2 — Healthcare Navigation Scenarios
Read each scenario carefully
Select the answer that best describes where the person should seek care. Choose only ONE option per scenario. Base your response on your own understanding — do not guess based on what you think is expected.
0 of 15 answeredScenarios 1–15
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Scenario 1
Alex, 16, woke up with a sore throat and mild fever (38.0°C). He has no difficulty breathing and has had symptoms for 2 days. His family doctor's office has same-day appointments available.
Where should this person go?
A
Family doctor / GP
B
Walk-in clinic
C
Urgent care centre
D
Emergency department (ED)
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 2
Maria, 45, has had a mild cough for 3 weeks with no fever. She is concerned it might be something serious. Her family doctor is fully booked for 2 weeks.
Where should this person go?
A
Family doctor / GP
B
Walk-in clinic
C
Urgent care centre
D
Emergency department (ED)
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 3
James, 17, cut his hand while cooking. The cut is about 2 cm long and bleeding has slowed with pressure. He is not sure if he needs stitches.
Where should this person go?
A
Family doctor / GP
B
Walk-in clinic
C
Urgent care centre
D
Emergency department (ED)
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 4
Priya, 55, suddenly develops severe chest pain radiating to her left arm. She feels short of breath and dizzy. This started 10 minutes ago.
Where should this person go?
A
Family doctor / GP
B
Walk-in clinic
C
Urgent care centre
D
Emergency department (ED)
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 5
Kevin, 14, has had a mild stomach ache and nausea since yesterday. He vomited once this morning and has eaten little. He has no fever and can keep water down.
Where should this person go?
A
Family doctor / GP
B
Walk-in clinic
C
Urgent care centre
D
Stay home and rest
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 6
Linda, 35, noticed a new mole on her arm that seems to have changed colour over the past few months. It does not hurt but she is concerned. She has no family doctor.
Where should this person go?
A
Walk-in clinic
B
Urgent care centre
C
Emergency department (ED)
D
Dermatology clinic / specialist referral
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 7
Daniel, 16, is feeling very sad, hopeless, and has stopped enjoying activities he used to love. He has felt this way for 3 weeks. He is not in immediate danger.
Where should this person go?
A
Family doctor / GP
B
Walk-in clinic
C
School counsellor or mental health resource
D
Emergency department (ED)
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 8
Sophie, 70, fell in her home and is experiencing moderate pain in her wrist. She can move her fingers and there is mild swelling. She fell 30 minutes ago.
Where should this person go?
A
Family doctor / GP
B
Walk-in clinic
C
Urgent care centre
D
Emergency department (ED)
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 9
Ben, 19, has had a urinary tract infection (UTI) before and recognizes the symptoms: burning when urinating and frequent urge to urinate. He has no fever. His GP has no appointments.
Where should this person go?
A
Walk-in clinic
B
Urgent care centre
C
Emergency department (ED)
D
Telehealth / virtual care
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 10
A 2-year-old child has been crying inconsolably for 4 hours, has a fever of 39.5°C, and is pulling at their ear. They seem very uncomfortable but are breathing normally.
Where should this person go?
A
Family doctor / GP
B
Walk-in clinic
C
Urgent care centre
D
Emergency department (ED)
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 11
Rachel, 28, has a persistent headache behind her eyes, nasal congestion, and facial pressure that has been worsening for 5 days. She has no neurological symptoms.
Where should this person go?
A
Family doctor / GP
B
Walk-in clinic
C
Urgent care centre
D
Emergency department (ED)
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 12
Tom, 42, was stung by a bee 5 minutes ago. His throat feels tight, he has hives spreading across his body, and he is having difficulty breathing.
Where should this person go?
A
Walk-in clinic
B
Urgent care centre
C
Emergency department (ED) — call 9-1-1
D
Pharmacy for antihistamine
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 13
Emma, 52, wants to discuss managing her Type 2 diabetes, review her medications, and get a flu shot. She feels well and has no new symptoms today.
Where should this person go?
A
Family doctor / GP
B
Walk-in clinic
C
Urgent care centre
D
Pharmacy (for flu shot only)
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 14
Jason, 17, twisted his ankle during gym class. It is swollen and painful to walk on. He was able to walk off the court but is limping noticeably.
Where should this person go?
A
Family doctor / GP
B
Walk-in clinic
C
Urgent care centre
D
Emergency department (ED)
Please select an answer to continue.
Scenario 15
Nina, 30, missed her last two Pap tests and wants to schedule a routine gynecological exam and STI screening. She has no symptoms.
Where should this person go?
A
Family doctor / GP
B
Walk-in clinic
C
Sexual health clinic
D
Emergency department (ED)
Please select an answer to continue.
Section 3 — Systems Knowledge Questions
Choose the best answer for each question
5 questions about Ontario's healthcare system.
0 of 5 answeredQuestions Q1–Q5
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Q1
Which of the following best describes the role of a family doctor (GP) in Ontario's healthcare system?
A
To provide emergency care for life-threatening conditions
B
To manage ongoing health, coordinate care, and provide preventive services
C
To perform surgery and specialized procedures
D
To fill prescriptions and advise on medication
Please select an answer to continue.
Q2
Which of the following is NOT an appropriate reason to use a hospital Emergency Department (ED)?
A
Suspected stroke or heart attack
B
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
C
Mild cold or flu with no complications
D
Serious injury with active bleeding
Please select an answer to continue.
Q3
In Ontario, which publicly funded service allows you to speak with a registered nurse by phone at any time?
A
Telehealth Ontario (811)
B
Ontario Drug Benefit Line
C
Service Ontario
D
Public Health Ontario
Please select an answer to continue.
Q4
What does 'preventive care' primarily refer to in a primary care setting?
A
Treatment of existing injuries or illnesses
B
Emergency interventions for critical conditions
C
Screenings, vaccinations, and check-ups to prevent illness before it starts
D
Specialist consultations for complex conditions
Please select an answer to continue.
Q5
If someone in Ontario does not have a family doctor, what is the most appropriate first step for a non-urgent health concern?
A
Go directly to the Emergency Department
B
Wait until they find a family doctor
C
Visit a walk-in clinic or contact Telehealth Ontario
D
Purchase medication at a pharmacy without consultation
Please select an answer to continue.
Section 4 — Reflection
Open response — no right or wrong answers
Answer briefly and honestly. These questions help us understand how people think about healthcare decisions.
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R1
In your household, where does your family usually go first when someone is sick? Why?
Please write a response to continue.
R2
Have you or someone you know ever gone to the emergency room for something that turned out not to be an emergency? What happened?
Please write a response to continue.
R3
Before today, how confident were you in knowing which type of care to choose in a health situation?
Not confident at all
Somewhat confident
Mostly confident
Very confident
Please select an option to continue.
Anonymous — no identifying info collected
Thank you for participating
Your response has been recorded anonymously. Your contribution helps PATHS Research Network better understand healthcare navigation in the Vaughan community.