Policy Evaluation Reform as Related to EHR in Ontario

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Table of Contents

Discussion
Conclusion
Reference List

Discussion

An Electronic Patient Record (EPR) is a collection of health information of one patient stored in a computer. EPRs provide all information about a patient, independent of where, when, and by whom the information was captured. An important aim of developed health systems is the creation, expansion and linkage of EPR systems. The electronic storage and transfer of patient information can significantly minimize clinical errors and enhance patient safety as well as allow clinicians to communicate swiftly, accurately and to identify more relevant information more easily. This paper examines the Romanow Commission’s recommendation on the implementation of EPR systems in Canadian health care systems. It also analyzes how the federal government of Canada engaged the province of Ontario in reaction to the report in a series of agreements such as; the Health Accord (2003), and the First Ministers Accord (2004) on the establishment of EPR in the health care system to safeguard the health of Ontarians.

Evaluation of Romanow Report on Electronic Patient Records

The implementation of the Romanow Report has enabled Canada to safeguard its publicly funded health care system. The commission came up with a report that contained forty-seven recommendations. Key among these recommendations were: first, the establishment of Electronic Health Records for all Canadians. According to Romanow, this was “one of the keys to modernizing Canada’s health care system and improving access and outcomes to all Canadians” (Grieshaber-Otto); second, it endorsed the activities of Canada Health Infoway, which is described as “an independent, non-profit corporation with responsibility for accelerating the development and adoption of modern EPRs to offer better health care” (Romanow, 2002). In Ottawa, Canada Health Infoway has facilitated partnerships in the public sector that has fostered and accelerated the development of secure, Electronic health records.

Analysis of Romano’s Report Concerning Electronic Health Records

Romanow had identified the need for more accountability on the huge amounts of funds utilized on health care in Canada in his final report. This policy was reinforced effectively when the report recommended the writing of ‘a covenant’ with Canadian people; and the formation of a health council incharge of securing the terms of the covenant. This has enabled Canadian public to receive sufficient feedback on achievements made on the health care sector in Canada. Most important, the report addressed the need to develop vastly improved health information management systems and creation of electronic health records for every Canadian citizen. Since the recommendations were availed in 2002, Canadian health care system has continued to be transformed.

In June 2003, the Canadian Health Information Management Association was formed with the aim of promoting efficiency in health information management throughout Canada. This association has been able to maintain and practice privacy, the quality of data, and the Electronic Health Records across Canada. More than ever, Ontario provides the building of a better health information system more priority. For instance, Ontario was able to make good use of Romanow Report to improve on its Smart Systems for Health developed in the mid-1990s. Health Result Teams were established and have largely assisted in finding ways to simplify, consolidate, and streamline the use of existing data available in Ontario’s Ministry of Health. This enhanced the development of strategies that have rationalized and expanded the existing sources of data faster and has eased access to complete spectrum of data required to support effective management, governance and operations of Ontario health care system.

The Outcome of Health Accord (2003) and the First Ministers Accord (2004) as it relates to EHR

The Health accord (2003) and the First Ministers Accord (2004) recommended appropriate tools such as information systems and Electronic Health records. These tools incorporated significant recommendations of the Romanow report. Key among these recommendations was Electronic Health Records. This recommendation has enabled Ontario and other provinces of Canada have a clear way to a health care system that is more sustainable and improved. Through the guidelines provided, Ontario has been able to create transparent and accountable health care governance systems that value the engagement of citizens (Westhues, 2006).

Ways the Accords have Addressed Electronic Health Records

The Health care Accords have effectively addressed the need for reforms of Electronic Health records in Ontario. It has made the government of Ontario agree to give implementation of Electronic Health Records a priority. It has also addressed the issue of strengthening of the quality and safety of health care through effective and efficient electronic health record system (Westhues, 2006).The adoption of these recommendations have: increased efficiency in service provision; enhanced patient care coordination; enhanced achievement of required health outcomes; improved access to patient health records for appropriate diagnosis and treatment; and has encouraged the participation of patients. However, the province is not on track to attain the target of 50% of her residents having an EHR by the year 2010 (Mc Cathy & Schafermeyer, 2007).

Conclusion

In sum, this paper has analyzed and evaluated the Romanow Report which recommended: establishment of EPRs and endorsement of Infoway activities across Canada. It has also discussed the outcome of the Health Accord (2003) and the First ministers Accord on Health Care renewal (2004). Outcomes which have provided direction in terms of effecting changes in EHR to check and straighten the flow of important information for patients and their respective care providers (Romanow, 2002). Finally, the paper has analyzed and tried to evaluate ways the accords have addressed the issue of Electronic Health Records in Ontario: which have seen increased efficiency in service provision; enhanced patient care coordination; and enhanced achievement of required health outcomes.

Reference List

Mc Cathy, R., & Schafermeyer, K. (2007). Introduction to health Care Delivery: a primer for Pharmacists. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Romanow, J. (2002). Building on Value: the Future of Health Care in Canada. Web.

Westhues, A. (2006). Canadian Social Policy: Issues and Perspectives. Waterloo, ON: Wilfrid Laurier University Press.

First Ministers of Canada. 2003 First Ministers’ Accord on Health Care Renewal.Canada.

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