Quebecers' health records will soon be online
Quebec Premier Jean Charest and Health Minister Dr. Philippe Couillard announced a $547 million dollar plan to develop an electronic medical record that would enable physicians and medical professionals to have instant and complete access to an all aspects of a patient's file.
This program is supported by the federal Canada Infoway program.
Information is critical at many junctures of medical care. The ability to access vital details is priceless in any clinical situation, whether in the emergency department, oncology rounds, or an yearly check-up.
Complete information empowers the medical team to make decisions and take action sooner. Ultimately this will save time. More importantly, it will save lives. Seems very inexpensive at $72 for each of the 7.6 million Quebecers.
The challenge ahead for the leaders in healthcare in Quebec (and Canada) is to maximize this investment in terms of care efficiciency. Information management is only one part of the puzzle. This system could actually pay dividends when it is used to improve care management.
Suppose GPs referred patients to specialists equipped with all the testing the specialist would need to review in order to come to a diagnosis. Not only would the specialist be able to offer an appropriate treatment or course of action sooner, but would be able to do so with fewer visits per patient!
More from CBC
Ministry of Health's press release
Canada Infoway's press release
posted by Evster @ Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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