In Nov 2010 InformationWeek, published a Strategy Report in the development of over 200 Health Information Exchanges(HEI) in the US. A HEI ensure that all those providing care to a patient have the most up to date and comprehensive information possible in a secure manner. The expected results being: faster decision making for the patient, fewer duplicate tests and the improvement in patient safety particularly as it applies medication errors. Initial push back from physicians is fading as they begin to see the value and convenience of the technology.
In Canada the forward thinking of our Governments, put Canada Health Infoway in place close to 10yrs ago, with the goal that patient information could be shared with providers, as required, first locally or regionally and ultimately pan-Canadian.
The two countries may use different terms, but the goals are the same. Improve the delivery of care by securely sharing required patient with care providers and/or physicians.
Based on surveys down by HIMSS Analytics, the chart below shows that we in Canada are behind the US, but making progress.
Contrary to what many would believe the best progress in Canada is happening in the Maritimes. New Brunswick is leading the country. Why? This province is smaller both in geography and population which allows them to collaborate and work together differently than some of the larger provinces.
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