By: Vishal Mehta, B. Pharm, RPh
Digital Health Week is an annual celebration of technology’s role in improving our health. The philosophy behind digital health initiatives is to create a more connected experience, with the patient at its centre. Connected systems are healthier systems.
Several healthcare stakeholders who have the motive of yielding better health outcomes and experiences are focusing on the following initiatives:
- Virtual Care has helped transform healthcare delivery across Canada. Between January 2021 and March 2022, 33% of reported visits to healthcare providers were virtual. Access to virtual care is changing the game when it comes to patients improving their health and dealing with minor ailments. For some, an in-person visit isn’t possible, or desirable. Virtual visits can help keep them safe by reducing the spread of infection, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, while providing them with the care they need.
- e-Prescribing with PrescribeIT®, enables prescribers and pharmacists to send prescriptions electronically and to communicate easily. 82% of Canadians say they would like to have their prescription sent electronically to their pharmacy by their physician. PrescribeIT®allows prescribers to electronically transmit a prescription directly from an electronic medical record (EMR) to a pharmacy management system (PMS).
- Having access to your personal health information (PHI) gives you more control to manage your own health. 88% of people who accessed their PHI said they felt more informed about their health. This allows Canadians to have better conversations with their healthcare providers. As of right now, most Canadians can access some parts of their PHI online.
Overall, we are moving forward with many new digital initiatives that make it easier to manage our personal health and wellbeing.
