Nova Scotia health providers transitioning to electronic medical record systems to benefit from clinical peer support

HALIFAX, May 2, 2012 /CNW/ - More clinicians in Nova Scotia will receive support from their peers as they transition to electronic medical record (EMR) systems thanks to an expansion of the interdisciplinary Nova Scotia EMR Peer Support Network, announced today by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness and Canada Health Infoway (Infoway).

"Accelerating the adoption of Electronic Medical Record systems is essential to enabling timely and secure access to the health information clinicians need to make care decisions," said Richard Alvarez, President and CEO, Canada Health Infoway. "Support from experienced colleagues can help clinicians make this happen."

As part of Infoway's clinical engagement strategy, which connects physicians, pharmacists and nurses, the pan-Canadian Clinical Peer Leader Support Network Program enables experienced peer leaders to work closely with their colleagues to help them achieve clinical value through practice and process changes during the adoption process.

This initiative will extend the support provided in the existing peer network to approximately 1,500 additional health care providers throughout Nova Scotia. It will also complement learning and development efforts. In addition, learning modules to address barriers to adoption will be developed.

"We know that electronic medical records provide healthcare professionals with timely access to patient records so that Nova Scotians receive better care sooner," said Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health and Wellness. "The Peer Network provides healthcare professionals using the Nightingale EMR the opportunity for peer-based support and learning through experienced EMR users."

Infoway's continued investment in clinician peer networks is part of the $500 million in funding provided by the Government of Canada in its 2010 Budget. The Nova Scotia Clinician Peer Support Network builds on a previous project funded by Infoway and is one of several Clinician Peer Support networks across Canada.

About the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness

Created in January 2011, the Department of Health and Wellness brings together the former departments of Health and Health Promotion and Protection. This merger will streamline operations and ensure better integration between the prevention and treatment sides of health care, providing better health care to Nova Scotians.

About Canada Health Infoway

Canada Health Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. Infoway jointly invests with every province and territory to accelerate the development and adoption of information and communications technology projects in Canada. Fully respecting patient confidentiality, these secure systems will provide clinicians and patients with the information they need to better support safe care decisions and manage their own health. Accessing this vital information quickly will help foster a more modern and sustainable health care system for all Canadians.

Dan Strasbourg      
Director, Media Relations
Canada Health Infoway
Tel.: [phone]
[email protected]