Nova Scotia’s health-care system is being recognized nationally for its innovative use of technology in patient care.
The province won the Project Team Patient Care Innovation Award at the 9th Annual Canadian Health Informatics Awards for implementing electronic personal health records.
Leo Glavine, Minister of Health and Wellness, said Nova Scotia is setting the bar for personal health records across Canada.
“We are pleased to be leading the way in Canada for the work we’ve done to provide patients with easy access to their health information,” said Mr. Glavine. “Personal health records are strengthening the delivery of health care in Nova Scotia. They are key to transforming health care in the province into a truly patient-centered system.”
The award recognized Nova Scotia and partner McKesson Canada for innovations that improved patient care, and project management excellence.
“There has been significant interest in Nova Scotia’s IT solutions and the benefits we’re seeing already,” said Labi Kousoulis, Minister of Internal Services. “It is a significant accomplishment when the eHealth leaders of Canada recognize the hard work and benefits achieved from this successful demonstration project.”
More than 5,000 patients receive test results, view their medications and communicate online with doctors over a secure network. Specialists’ reports will be online soon.
Patients reported they felt more involved in their health care and said having online access to test results helped them better manage their health.
“Nova Scotia is demonstrating to the rest of Canada the benefits of empowering patients to manage their own care, and showing how virtual visits can expand the reach of primary care,” said David Mosher, director of Relay Health.
Personal health records are making patient care more efficient, and could avoid an office visit or online appointment scheduling.
This demonstration project was funded by the provincial government and Canada Health Infoway.
“I applaud Nova Scotia for the well-earned recognition they are receiving for leveraging innovative digital health solutions to help improve the health and wellness of Nova Scotians,” said Richard Alvarez, president and CEO, Canada Health Infoway. “When clinicians and patients use digital health, quality and access to care improves and the delivery of health care becomes more efficient.”
Government is reviewing the project’s results to determine the next step for Nova Scotia patients.
Source: Release
