"Improving patients' access to health care services is a priority for our government," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "As a key building block of the electronic health record, the Lab Results Repository will ensure fewer duplicate tests, quicker access to lab results and a more complete history of previous testing."
When the service is launched later this month, providers will be able to access 85 per cent of all provincial lab results. As the repository is fully implemented, electronic lab results will be available anywhere a patient seeks medical care across Saskatchewan.
“I applaud Saskatchewan’s significant milestone, which is making crucial information securely available to a wide range of health providers throughout the province,” Canada Health Infoway President and CEO Richard Alvarez said. “This accomplishment exemplifies the national vision of generating clinical value through the use of information and communications technologies.”
The Lab Results Repository has cost $26.7 million to date, and Canada Health Infoway has committed $22.7 million to this project.
The secure Lab Results Repository has already accumulated more than 10 million laboratory test results, increasing by approximately 50,000 additional results each day.
All electronic lab results are stored within a secure central repository and access is limited to authorized health care providers. Privacy and security requirements guide the storage and use of personal health information.
The province is getting closer to a fully functioning provincial electronic health record (EHR). The Lab Results Repository joins the existing components of the provincial electronic health record and regional electronic health systems. The Pharmaceutical Information System (PIP) improves patient safety by helping to manage drug therapy for patients under the care of multiple providers. The Picture Archiving & Communication System (RIS-PACS) improves access to care closer to a patient’s home community through a provincial service that stores, retrieves and displays x-rays, CT scans and other diagnostic images.
About eHealth Saskatchewan, a Saskatchewan Treasury Board Crown Corporation
eHealth Saskatchewan is the Saskatchewan Treasury Board Crown Corporation leading Saskatchewan Electronic Health Record (EHR) planning and strategy for the province of Saskatchewan, including building an electronic health record for each resident. eHealth Saskatchewan also coordinates, operates and maintains select IT systems on behalf of healthcare delivery organizations in the province.
About Canada Health Infoway
Canada Health Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. Infoway jointly invests with every province and territory to accelerate the development and adoption of information and communications technology projects in Canada. Fully respecting patient confidentiality, these secure systems will provide clinicians and patients with the information they need to better support safe care decisions and manage their own health. Accessing this vital information quickly will help foster a more modern and sustainable health care system for all Canadians.
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Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
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Haley Armstrong
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