Infoway report underscores value of e-health momentum

TORONTO, Oct 6 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores welcomes Canada Health Infoway's National Impacts of Generation 2 Drug Information Systems Report. The report describes patient care improvements and health system benefits being realized through electronic drug information systems (DIS), and highlights the future value potential that will accompany broader adoption of the technology. 

"We are pleased to see the evidence of the positive impact of Generation 2 DIS in Infoway's Report," said Nadine Saby, President and Chief Executive Officer, CACDS.  "We hope the report will serve to bolster the momentum behind the development and adoption of harmonized DIS systems across the country."

The study measured realized benefits in terms of quality, access and productivity from Generation 2 DIS systems deployed in Canada as of March, 2010, with particular emphasis on patient safety.  In jurisdictions that have a DIS initiative, CACDS and its members have collaborated and advocated extensively to ensure the development of harmonized, interoperable systems.

"While benefits are already accruing from Gen 2 DIS as outlined in this report, the full benefits of DIS evolve over time as adoption, functionality and integration grows.  We anticipate the Generation 3 DIS, the next phase, will deliver even greater patient care and health system benefits by accelerating the implementation of e-prescribing," said Saby. 

While gains in patient safety, through reduced adverse drug events and misuse of medicines, are seen earlier in DIS implementation, gains in productivity, improved drug cost management and patient compliance occur later in DIS system maturity, according to the data. 

"The development and introduction of new electronic health systems presents a particularly prickly problem for busy community pharmacies, because the introduction of DIS initially decreases productivity, and typically for a period of 12-18 months," said Saby. "Data from DIS projects show that it isn't until years five to 15 of system maturity that meaningful pharmacy productivity gains will be realized." 

"Certainly it's recognized that these things take time, money and a single-minded focus to get them done right in the first instance.  CACDS members, who view DIS as an enabler to delivering a higher level of professional pharmacy services, are committed to the successful adoption of harmonized systems," Saby concluded. 

CACDS is the national association that represents community pharmacies in Canada. The Retail Members of CACDS are traditional chain and banner drug stores, and grocery chains and mass merchandisers with pharmacies. Together, CACDS members operate almost 6,500 pharmacies that dispense almost 80 per cent of the nation's prescriptions each year. The Associate Members of CACDS represent all supply categories and services in the retail pharmacy industry, including pharmaceuticals, health and wellness products, self-care medications and other consumer products.

For further information:

Sara Feldman
Director, Communications
CACDS
[phone] ext 225
[phone]
[email protected]