Contacting Patients via Email: Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we asking for your email?
We will use your email to communicate with you about opportunities to improve the health system. This could include responding to surveys, participating in focus groups, discussing your experiences in an interview or taking part in a research project. Your feedback will help us improve the experiences and quality of care of future patients.
What will be communicated through email?
We will use your email to:
- Inform you about quality improvement opportunities
- Inform you about research opportunities
We may create opportunities to communicate about other things over email in the future. Before this happens we will ask you if you consent to receiving emails in these areas.
How will my privacy be protected?
The SHA adheres to Saskatchewan legislation, the Local Authority Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (LAFOIP) and the Health Information Protection Act (HIPA), for managing private information. Additional information about these acts is available through the Office of the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner.
How will my email be stored?
You email address will be stored and protected in the same way other personal information such as your name, birthdate and health card number are stored and protected. For additional information on the SHA's privacy guidelines and best practices visit our Privacy and Personal Health Information Page.
How will I be contacted?
If there is an opportunity that you might be eligible to participate in the SHA will send you an email. This email will not be encrypted. We will ensure that the emails we send contain minimal personal information, however they may disclose your name and the fact that you visited an SHA facility. These types of emails are considered to have a low risk of harm.
If we are sending you a survey, the email will usually have a link you can open to complete the survey online on a secure platform. The survey software we use is required to meet privacy and security standards so the information collected through the survey will likely be encrypted or other safeguards will be put in place. Information about how your responses will be stored will be included along with the opportunity.
How do I opt-out?
If you decide to opt out of receiving future communications, you can reply to the survey email or follow the opt-out instructions provided in the communication. We will remove you from our list. You can also email us at patientexperience@saskhealthauthority.ca and ask to have your email removed from our records.
How do I opt-in?
When registering at participating SHA sites you will be asked if you would like to provide your email address. If did not provide your email address at this time but would still like to hear about quality improvement and research opportunities you can email us at patientexperience@saskhealthauthority.ca and ask to have your email address added to our list. When you do this please also include your name, date of birth and health card number.
Will my email address be shared?
Your email address may be shared with trusted external partners to help with quality improvement and research initiatives. We will never sell your data to a third party.
Can my partner, parent or family member provide their email address instead?
Yes, as long as the patient and the other person providing the email address agree (verbal consent) to provide the SHA with the email address and understand that the SHA may use that email address to contact you. Different opportunities may have different rules. For example, it may be required that a survey be completed by the patient rather than another person.
What if my email address changes?
You can email the SHA at patientexperience@saskhealthauthority.ca with your name, new email address and health card number and we will update your email address. In addition, we will verbally confirm that your email address is correct every time you visit the registration desk.
What if I want to change from my parents' email to my own?
Everyone under the age of 14 will have their email address verified.
What if I still have questions?
If you still have questions about how we will use and store you email address you can send us an email at patientexperience@saskhealthauthority.ca
By staying connected with you, we can amplify your voice and focus on improving our processes for you, the patient. Your insights are important for shaping our care and improving people's experiences.