A time to transform Canada's health care system
In a world where a web search engine can deliver thousands of pages of information in a fraction of a second, it's hard to believe that in this day and age we are still sending health information through paper files from doctors to hospitals to clinics to pharmacies across Canada. But it's true.
And, when you compound that with other factors — an aging and rapidly growing population; shifts in care settings; consumers demanding more, faster and the increased pressures on health resources — quality health care will be highly dependent on fast and accurate information exchange.
The establishment of electronic health records for Canadians will set the foundation for a significantly improved and modern health care system. For over a decade, managers and providers of the current health care system have been driving for this change. The good news is that we are well on our way.
Meeting the needs of Canadians
At Canada Health Infoway, we've consulted Canadians across the country — health care providers, governments, the IT industry and patients — to understand what they expect from the health care system. First and foremost, we understand that any changes implemented, must work for everyone.
In general, patients' expectations of the health care system are straightforward. Be there when I need it. Treat me with dignity and respect. Value my time. Keep me informed and allow me to become involved in my health care decisions.
For patients, this means:
- Give me accurate information that moves with me no matter who I'm seeing.
- Please communicate clearly with each other, so that my doctors, clinicians, hospitals and therapists have the same information.
- Protect my privacy.
- Allow me to have input into decisions that affect my health.
- Eliminate undue risk.
- Give me timely access and results.
Doctors and clinicians seeking improvements
Health care professionals live with the system every day. More than anyone, they understand the capabilities of modern day medicine and want to see it applied in the best interests of their patients.
They also understand the inefficiencies and are actively looking for new care delivery models that are practical and supportive of their patients' needs.
They know that the most successful clinical practice teams are those that have accurate evidence-based information when they need it. That's what electronic health records provide.
Electronic health records provide the foundation
Electronic health records will tie together a patient's health information from numerous systems to provide one coherent record for an authorized health care provider. Whether the information flows from a doctor's office, a clinic, hospital or pharmacy, it will appear in a structured format on the record. That way, anyone who has authorization to view it, gets a complete and accurate picture.
We've all heard stories of files being lost causing tests to be redone or undue waits at a drug store while the pharmacist confirms information with a doctor. The establishment of electronic health records will give us a modern health care system that is safer, more efficient and more sustainable for years to come.
Consulting with leaders in all areas of the Canadian health care sector, Infoway has developed 2015: Advancing Canada's Next Generation of Health Care — a comprehensive strategy for the next 10 years of investment in health care information systems. Need a quick summary of the 2015 report? Read At a glance.
Read EHR success stories or watch and discover how information technology is improving health care for Canadians.