More than 7,000 doctors, who care for 6.5 million Ontarians, now manage their patients' health information with an electronic medical record.
That is just some of the significant progress outlined in the 2011 eHealth Progress Report.
Ontario is committed to electronic health because it saves lives and money, and improves care. Achievements include:
- 24/7 remote access to neurologists which has prevented the transfer of 2,400 trauma patients and saved over $50 million
- For the first time, all hospitals are able to take diagnostic images such as x-rays and MRIs digitally and store them in a central location that can be accessed electronically
- Doctors and nurses in every ER have access to information about the drugs used by seniors - helping to avoid adverse drug reactions
Increasingly, electronic health records will help us drive down wait times, reduce duplication and unnecessary tests, and put a stop to avoidable prescription drug errors.
All Ontarians will have an electronic health record by 2015 and patients will own their electronic health records--allowing them to take better control of their health.
Quotes:
"Electronic medical records are just one of the many eHealth initiatives moving forward and improving care to patients. More doctors are using electronic medical records and that means more time spent on direct patient care, better health outcomes and increased safety for patients."
– Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
Quick Facts:
Ontario has more doctors using electronic medicalrecords than any other province in Canada
Doctors exchangemore than 135,000 electronic medical records each month, accessing accurate information about their patients' health histories instantly
Through the ConnectingGTA project, 700 Greater Toronto Area service providers will be able to share electronic health information by 2013. Already, local residents are benefiting from shared clinical reports, diagnostic images, and lab test results
Media Contacts:
Andrew Morrison
Communications Branch
416-314-6197
media@moh.gov.on.ca
For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline|
1-866-532-3161
(Toll-free in Ontario only)
Media Line
Toll-free: 1-888-414-4774
GTA: 416-314-6197
media@moh.gov.on.ca
Neala Barton
Minister’s Office
416-327-4388