Posted on November 1, 2016 by Bobby Gheorghiu and Sukirtha Tharmalingam

For ten years, Infoway has been exploring with different ways of measuring progress that accurately and coherently convey the progress in digital health across the country. Earlier in our mandate, availability of systems was deemed to be a core measure since it tracks clinical data in provincial/territorial assets for the use of clinicians and other health system professionals. This measure did an excellent job in conveying progress in building infrastructure right up to the point of go-live. However, what it did not do was give an indication of how many people were actually using these systems and how often they were doing so.

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Chad Leaver

When you visit a specialist at a hospital clinic for the day, you’re probably there because you received a referral from your family doctor. Or, perhaps you are following up from a recent in-hospital stay, or receiving ongoing care or treatment for a health condition. Maybe, like so many Canadians, you’re helping a family member or friend to get to — and from — appointments. Whatever the reason, you know that a visit to the specialist is an important part of supporting your health care needs and contributes critical information to your health care journey.

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Dennis Giokas

A lot has changed since the initial blog post on this topic five years ago. The nature of the systems supporting clinicians and patients has matured significantly. For example, many now have advanced functionality beyond simple record keeping and some have patient-centred functions. In addition, the scope of these systems now covers a broader user base – one beyond their original users. The description of these digital health solutions has become quite complex, especially when we consider users, care settings, the data, functionality and technology.

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Shelagh Maloney

With some vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles making a resurgence, quick and easy access to immunization records is more important than ever before. Digital health offers public health officials the ability to pull records quickly and provides parents the peace of mind of knowing their children’s records are easily accessible.

Posted on July 6, 2015 by Mark Nenadovic

Before I took on a new role as the Group Director for Infoway’s Certification Services program, Infoway had partnered with the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) to conduct a joint review of digital health certification services in Canada.

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Bobby Gheorghiu

From system efficiencies, to enhanced care, the shift from film-based medical images to digital ones has been an unqualified success across the country with significant benefits realized for radiologists, patients and the health system overall.

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Rose Serjak

When I talk with family and friends, I am able to share a lot of information with them about the progress that has been made in digital health in Canada. Thanks to Digital Health Week shining the spotlight on this progress, Canadians who might not have been “in the know” are now able to start their own conversations about the impact that digital health is having on their lives, and the promise it holds for the future.

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Trevor Hodge

This blog post was created in collaboration with my colleague and fellow blogger Dennis Giokas.

The use of digital health records is accelerating worldwide. As we meet with our colleagues in other countries we often discover confusion – and in some cases disagreement – with the definition of terms associated with digital health records.