ELECTRONIC PATIENT RECORDS WILL IMPROVE PATIENT CARE

The introduction of the Primary Health Care Information Technology (IT) Solution at West Winds Primary Health Care Centre in Saskatoon means improvement to patient care, more efficiencies and better decision making at the point of care.

"This technology will improve patient care by allowing the health care professionals at West Winds Primary Health Centre to access their patients records electronically," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "The Doctors and Nurses that care for patients will have access to the files to see what procedures and tests the patient has had or may need, which will result in better overall care for their patients."

The West Winds team is one of the first and largest Primary Health Care teams to implement this electronic solution. As more healthcare providers begin using this technology, accurate and complete patient information will be available between authorized care providers when and where they need it. Privacy safeguards are in place to ensure patient confidentiality.

"The inter-professional team working at West Winds Primary Health Centre has been providing quality care for over four years in a way that models teamwork and collaboration," Saskatoon Health Region President and CEO Maura Davies said. "The use of electronic patient records will enhance communication and co-ordination of care and support the team in providing exceptional service."

"Electronic patient records are considered the cornerstone of health care modernization worldwide, particularly at the primary care level," Faculty Affairs for the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan Associate Dean Dr. Femi Olatunbosun said. "They are integral tools for medical education of students and residents and implementation of the electronic patient records in Saskatchewan will be a significant factor for recruitment and retention of our medical graduates in the province. In addition, this type of technology plays an important role in patient-centered care, quality improvement and evidence-based medicine."

The use of electronic patient records is being rolled out across the province to the 71 established Primary Health Care teams. As of July 2010, six teams are already using the technology. This tool has been designed to link to the provincial electronic health record.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083