Health chiefs have launched an extensive survey to gauge how residents feel about the standard of care on the island.

The Bermuda Health Council, in collaboration with the University of West Indies, issued the first survey yesterday. According to a spokeswoman for the council the survey, conducted by telephone interview, will measure health preferences.

Interviews are expected to take 40 minutes and participants will be paid $18. Participation is by invitation only.

The second survey is an online five-minute questionnaire, which will help organisations, communities and individuals understand what health services, health behaviours and social and economic factors may influence the health status of the population. This study is open to all residents and is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, September 6.

Ricky Brathwaite, of the BHC said: “No group of persons is alike and not everyone is looking for the same health outcomes for themselves.

“These two studies will help us understand what Bermuda’s residents are really looking to achieve through their own health and our health system. When we look at how people view their health, we realise that your background and your experiences helps to shape that. Without that context, local healthcare leaders only have a part of the puzzle towards implementing effective and sustainable solutions that match with the public’s desires.

“So we are definitely excited to be partnering with UWI on this initiative in support of our local healthcare system. Only a few larger countries have been able to gather this data for their populations and this will allow us to join that group and bring our unique island discussion to the global table.”

The data from the reports may be used by public health officials to design health programmes and services aimed at addressing health concerns such as diabetes and heart disease.

Residents are encouraged to contribute to the online studies to assist in improving the health of the community and its health system. All information collected is confidential.

Individuals interested in participating in the studies should visit the Bermuda Health Council website here.