Released on October 13, 2006
A unified electronic health record used by a patient's health care team to share current, relevant medical information is one step closer, with the adoption of integrated systems in Saskatchewan health regions.Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians and others at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre are now able to share notes, test results, prescriptions and a record of medical interventions to ensure approved care providers understand a patient's history and current status when making decisions and recommendations.
"In Yorkton today, we see the future of health care in Saskatchewan, putting technology to work to improve the quality of care for our people," Deputy Premier and Minister of Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Clay Serby said on behalf Health Minister Len Taylor. "Patients stand to benefit from this improvement in the quality and immediacy of patient information, which will streamline communication processes, reduce duplication, and ensure that health professionals have access to the information they need."
At least a portion of the integrated clinical systems are in use in most health regions, but Sunrise Health Region is the first to add software that brings crucial information together into a common view of the patient's medical situation to aid in their care in a hospital setting.
"This system not only increases patient safety and the efficiency of management," Yorkton Regional Health Centre general surgeon Dr. Corné Schoeman said. "The system acts as an advocate for patients who are in crisis."
More than 150 care providers working out of the Yorkton Regional Health Centre are now using the clinical system. In the next stage of development, the system will be accessible from doctors' offices. Other health regions have expressed interest in adding the clinical view package to their information systems, with Saskatoon and Regina Qu'Appelle health regions in the planning stages for adoption.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Joan Petrie Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083 | Scott Donaldson Sunrise Health Region Yorkton Phone: (306) 786-0733 |