Edmonton Oliver Primary Care Network offers online booking and messaging

EDMONTON, Feb. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Connecting with the Edmonton Oliver Primary Care Network (PCN) team just became easier with the launch of an advanced online booking and communication system.

While there are other online booking systems available, this is the first in Alberta to offer both online booking and a secure communication portal for patients to connect with a primary care multidisciplinary team.

"We surveyed our patients and found almost 75% wanted the ability to book appointments online; we listened when our patients told us they also wanted the option of sending secure messages to their healthcare team," said Colleen Enns, executive director for Edmonton Oliver PCN. "Our patients who are more comfortable with the phone can still call for an appointment."

When the Edmonton Oliver PCN's family physicians refer patients to a registered nurse, dietitian, exercise specialist or pharmacist, they have the option to log in to the portal to select a date and time for an appointment. They can move or rebook appointments, leave messages, and receive information from their healthcare team.

Unlike email, the portal provides patients a secure way to exchange messages with their healthcare providers through their computer or smart phone, and the system is fully compliant with Alberta's privacy requirements.

Patients are able to complete forms and questionnaires in advance of an appointment so the healthcare providers have time to review information and better prepare. PCN team members are able to send information to groups of patients, but each patient receives an individual and secure message.

"For privacy reasons, people shouldn't send personal health information by email. This portal allows our patients to safely share details about their health conditions and receive information from their healthcare team," explained Enns. "It also helps our PCN team manage their time efficiently because they can follow up with patients quickly."

Since it was launched, the portal has been very popular with both patients and PCN team members. The healthcare team finds it saves time on administrative tasks and patients love the convenience.

About the Edmonton Oliver Primary Care Network

The Edmonton Oliver Primary Care Network serves over 130,000 patients in 18 Edmonton clinics. The network's family physicians and clinic staff work with a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals to provide coordinated care for patients and support healthy lifestyle choices.

SOURCE: Edmonton Oliver Primary Care Network

Colleen Enns
Executive Director
Edmonton Oliver Primary Care Network
[phone] ext 227