Benefits of Digital Health

• Patient portals provide patients with a convenient way to access their personal health information which results in patients feeling more involved in their care and having more informed discussions with their health care provider. In one study, 94 per cent of portal users said they valued viewing their health information online
• Virtual visits provide patients with the convenience of connecting with their health care provider through secure, two-way digital communications without the need to travel to the doctor’s office. A BC study found 79 per cent of patients who had a virtual visit said the quality of care was the same as an in-person visit.
• Telehomecare allows patients and clinicians to collaborate in monitoring health conditions, which can reduce the need for emergency visits and hospitalization.
• Electronic health records allow doctors to see patients’ complete health information, saving time, reducing duplicate tests, and leading to better patient care decisions.
• Electronic medical records allow doctors to manage patient problems, such as chronic disease, more effectively, as well as improving office efficiency. EMR use resulted in health care system level benefits, such as reduced duplicate tests and adverse drug events, valued at $623 million in 2016.
• Telehealth provides quality care for patients in rural, remote and First Nations communities, and increasingly for patients in urban areas. A 2010 study found telehealth saves patients time and money. Based on current utilization it’s estimated 218 million kilometres of travel was avoided in 2016.

Visit our Benefits Evidence — Pan-Canadian Studies page for more information on the benefits of digital health.