Just imagine -- going to work on a beautiful day then suddenly, out of the blue, you're entangled in a mass of twisted metal -- you've just been involved in an accident and between the lapses into/regaining of un/consciousness, all you can hear is the screaming of sirens and the jarring of metal as emergency personnel work feverishly to separate you from your vehicle. Finally, you're lying on a stretcher in the middle of the highway as ambulance technicians try to get your attention to ascertain what allergies you may have etc., but you just wanna sleep because although the pain is crushing, everything seems so surreal.
Far-fetched? You may be forgiven for thinking that way, but the above scenario plays out many times per week on the roads here in Ontario; of course there are many other types of emergencies, but if one were to happen to you, wouldn't you like to know there's a system in place whereby emergency personnel can access your medical records almost instantly using your vehicle license plate or identification on your person or in your bag and the Internet? Proper treatment could then be administered asap.
Well folks, such a system is imminent, whether we're aware of it/whether we agree with it, or not; architecturally it comprises of the system your health provider(s) keep(s) in the office (an Electronic Medical Record -- EMR) and the part that's managed by the Province (an Electronic Health Record -- EHR).
Together, the EMR/EHR will soon become an integral part of the life of each person in Ontario in an effort to make health care in the Province (and eventually throughout Canada) more efficient, both from a cost and quality perspective.
Hello, I'm Ernest James, President/CEO of Regal Informatics Inc., a nascent company in Whitby, Ontario. We're passionate about the potential of EMR/EHR systems and you're invited on a journey (blog-wise) to educate ourselves and those we come in contact with (family, friends, health providers etc.) to help bring about the best health care possible in Canada, one community at a time.
I'm gonna let you mull this over (between bites of turkey and your favourite beverage) then come back at you early in the new year to continue the journey -- there's so much to discuss, for example (but not limited to):
* what started all this -- a personal perspective
* a basic intro to the EMR/EHR
* implementation time frames
* what our friends in the US are doing/potential impact on Canadians
* security
* who pays for what
* functionality
* concerns
* what role you can play
In the meantime, feel free to say your piece (by clicking on "comments" below) and bring others into the discussion.
So until next time, Seasons Greetings and watch how you go.
Ernest A. James
Ernest,
ReplyDeleteNice blog. You caught my attention enough to get me to read on. I'm interested on hearing more about the EMR/EHR, confidentiality and who is payin or it and how. I guessmy vocabulary is a bit lacking. I had to look up "nascent".
Eric
Hi Ernest,
ReplyDeleteYou have opened up my eyes. This certainly will save lives. I am eager to know when this EMR/EHR will kick into motion.
Gina
Hi Ernest:
ReplyDeleteWhat a great blog. I found it very informative and convincing. If I were a doctor, I wouldn't hesitate to jump into this new opportunity. It will certainly make life for the patients a lot less stressful and safer, in that when they are in a comma and can't give medical information about them selves it will be at the hospital's fingertips and the end result will be one of health and wholeness for the patient. I know you will be a great success.
Cynthia
I hear Obama talks about electronic medical records (saw the clip on your website) but nothing from the Canadian government. Maybe it's time that I call my MP(Member of Parliament).
ReplyDeleteGina-Ontario
Ernest, congratulations on your new business venture, and my prayers are with you all the way!
ReplyDeleteI have read your article and was very impressed with the wealth of information--it is very informative.
On a personal note, I believe that eHealth is absolutely necessary for the following reasons:
1. All health information will be centralize.
2. Easy access to health information in case of emergency--this can save lives.
3. Less burden on the government in terms of costs.
4. This will eliminate duplicate records.
I promised to share the good news for you, and I have interviewed three doctors so far and got the following feed-backs:
a) There are not computer literate and fear the change.
b) The cost of conversion will be enormous and the government is not providing any assistance.
c) Confidentiality of patients' information may be compromised.
d) They are hoping that the government will have a "Grand-father" clause exempting old practitioners, and apply eHealth on a go-forward basis.
c) These doctors say if eHealth goes through they may retire.
Ernest, I wish you a successful mission, and I will do whatever I can to help you to achieve your goal.
Good luck, and God bless!
Amos
Hi Ernest,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the information shared on e-health. We have to keep on moving forward to the desired goal. As someone involved in hospitals for over 18 years in the capacity of equipment planning, project management and process improvement, I can tell you its not an easy door to open. I have been told by many senior personnel (and MPs) in my quest to market my services, that the healthcare environment is the most bureaucratic in all of Canada - moreso than the military. But once convinced that our services are of value, we press on. As we say at MOPEX Essential - Saving Lives and Dollars Makes Sense!
Brent Moe
President & Chief Integration Officer
MOPEX Essential
The Healthcare Solutions Specialists