Citizen Access to Personal Health Information Celebrated as Part of Digital Health Week
Released on November 14, 2016
Digital health has empowered more than 1,100 Saskatchewan citizens to take greater control over their health by providing access to their personal health information securely online through the Citizen Health Information Portal, known as CHIP.
eHealth Saskatchewan (eHealth) launched the CHIP pilot in February 2016 for a six month trial period. CHIP is a citizen-centric patient portal – uniquely designed for, by and with the help of patients themselves. CHIP displays an individual’s health information such as personal lab results, immunization history, and pharmacy and hospital visit history.
The CHIP pilot enabled users to leverage online digital services ranging from inputting health metrics all the way to setting up a simple reminder to take their medications. The CHIP pilot also demonstrated the potential for participants to invite their doctor, or other health care professionals, to view their profile.
"We are very pleased with the initial results of the CHIP pilot and the continued interest from the public to be a part of the program,” eHealth Saskatchewan CEO Susan Antosh said. “Participant feedback to date shows strong support for CHIP’s value, with more than 89 per cent agreeing that accessing CHIP is very important in managing care for people and their families.”
Pilot Highlights:
88 per cent of participants said that having access to their personal health records will help them better manage an existing health issue or avoid future health issues.
86 per cent of participants said it is very important for them to have online access to their personal health records and information.
70 per cent of participants said that they feel more aware of their overall health since getting access to CHIP.
“Recent studies confirm that when Canadians have access to their health information and online patient services, they are more engaged and feel more empowered to better manage their health,” Canada Health Infoway President and CEO Michael Green said. “This leads to better health outcomes, which is good for patients and the health care system alike.”
Saskatchewan people continue to show an active interest in CHIP. Although the pilot officially ended in August, eHealth is providing participants continued access to CHIP for the next year. eHealth is currently reviewing feedback and looking at ways to make improvements while exploring opportunities to offer the service to all Saskatchewan residents in the future.
For more information about the CHIP pilot, visit www.ehealthsask.ca/citizen-engagement/CHIP.
For more information about Digital Health Week and how you can participate, visit www.betterhealthtogether.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Lisa Mrazek
eHealth Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-581-7342
Email: lisa.mrazek@ehealthsask.ca
Dan Strasbourg
Canada Health Infoway
Phone: Phone: 416-595-3424
Email: dstrasbourg@infoway-inforoute.ca
Medical Imaging Results Delayed Due to Error with Automated Faxing System
Released on July 4, 2016
An issue with a provincial automated faxing notification for medical imaging results has been identified and corrected for one physician's account in Saskatoon Health Region. Notifications of test results were delayed for 62 patients between July 2015 and May 2016. The error had the potential to delay further follow-up tests for five of the 62 patients.
"eHealth Saskatchewan's top priority is to maintain the health, safety and privacy of patients across this province, so we take all incidents seriously and apologize for any patient concern," said Susan Antosh, eHealth CEO. "As soon as we were alerted of the delays, we began working closely with Saskatoon Health Region to resolve the issue and to put measures in place to prevent this from reoccurring. We are committed to transparency for items with potential patient impact and measures taken to rectify the situation."
Saskatoon Health Region has informed all 62 patients and has spoken directly with the five individuals who were subject to the potential delay in follow-up testing. Subsequent tests for those five patients have been completed and there is no additional impact to their health as a result. There was no delay in follow-up tests or care with the remaining 57 patients.
"While it is fortunate no one was harmed, we know this error may have created a stressful situation for patients and families," said Saskatoon Health Region's Department Head of Medical Imaging Dr. Paul Babyn. "It's important for patients to know that it is always your right and option to request your test results from your physician."
To prevent future incidents, eHealth and Saskatoon Health Region have put additional audit processes in place including manual checks and internal education. An internal auditing system is planned for implementation in the next few weeks. Patients can call the Client Representative Office at 306-655-0250 if they have any questions or concerns.
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Media contact:
Lisa Adam
eHealth Saskatchewan
306-337-0976 / Cell: 306-540-5816
Email: Lisa.Adam@ehealthsask.ca
New Pilot Program Allows Saskatchewan Residents to View their Personal Health Care Information Online
Released on February 16, 2016
eHealth Saskatchewan (eHealth) is piloting a new program that allows a group of residents from across the province to view their personal health information online through a secure website.
Health Minister Dustin Duncan today announced the official launch of the Citizen Health Information Portal (CHIP) Pilot, which will include up to 1,000 participants. Throughout the six month trial period, participants will be able to view their personal lab results, immunization history, pharmacy and hospital visit history from anywhere in the world.
“Our government is excited to announce a new program that empowers the people of Saskatchewan to take a more active role in their own health care,” Duncan said. “CHIP is the first comprehensive electronic system of its kind in Canada that puts patients first.”
CHIP participants will not only be able to access their files through a highly secure, personalized login, but also be able to add medical information to their personal profiles, such as health metrics or reminders to take medication. Participants can also view their children’s health care information and invite their doctor or other health care provider to view their profile.
“eHealth’s vision to empower patients and enable care continues to shape and inspire innovative programs like CHIP,” eHealth Saskatchewan CEO Susan Antosh said. “eHealth thanks all of the CHIP participants for their interest in the program, as it could help to shape the future of health care in Saskatchewan.”
“Research has shown that the vast majority of Canadians want access to digital health tools and capabilities,” Canada Health Infoway President and CEO Michael Green said. “Digital health portals such as CHIP provide patients with tools and information to support them to take charge of their wellness.”
Throughout this pilot program, participants will be asked to provide feedback about their experience, which will help to guide future decisions about additions or changes to online health information and other health programs.
eHealth Saskatchewan is a Treasury Board Crown Corporation committed to delivering better, smarter and more timely health care to citizens across the province by providing health care information electronically to patients and health care professionals.
eHealth also provides the people of Saskatchewan with new and updated health cards, as well as certificates for birth, death, marriage and genealogy.
Infoway helps to improve the health of Canadians by working with partners to accelerate the development, adoption and effective use of digital health across Canada. Through their investments, they help deliver better quality and access to care and more efficient delivery of health services for patients and clinicians. Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government.
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For more information, contact:
Lisa Adam
eHealth
Regina
Phone: 306-337-0976
Email: lisa.adam@ehealthsask.ca
Cell: 306-540-5816
Most Popular Baby Names in Saskatchewan for 2015
Released on February 3, 2016
eHealth Saskatchewan released the top 20 baby names for 2015 today. Liam was the most popular name for baby boys for the sixth year in a row and Olivia was the most popular name for baby girls in Saskatchewan. The second most popular names were Noah and Emily.
There were 69 baby boys named Liam in 2015, followed by Noah, Benjamin, Lincoln and Lucas. There were 80 baby girls named Olivia, followed by Emily, Emma, Ava and Avery.
Perhaps the Royal Family's newest addition influenced some parents in Saskatchewan, as Charlotte was one of the top 20 girl names in 2015 for the first time. Last May, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, introduced the world to their baby girl named Princess Charlotte.
In 2015, 15,497 live births were registered in Saskatchewan, which is a decrease of 277 from the number of births registered in 2014, which totalled 15,774. These numbers do not include Saskatchewan mothers who gave birth outside of the province.
For more information on the most popular baby names, and to see the lists of popular names from previous years, visit the eHealth Saskatchewan's website at: http://www.ehealthsask.ca/vitalstats/births/BabyNames/Pages/default.aspx
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Media contact:
Lisa Adam
eHealth Saskatchewan
306-337-0976
Cell: 306-540-5816
Email: Lisa.Adam@ehealthsask.ca
Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Make It Easier for Parents of Newborns to Apply for Benefits
Released on January 11, 2016
Four-In-One Service Means Less Work for New Parents When Registering The Birth of Their Baby
eHealth Saskatchewan (eHealth) has partnered with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to make it easier for parents to apply for federal and provincial benefits for their newborn children.
Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Saskatchewan Health Minister Dustin Duncan, today announced the Bundled Birth Service which will give Saskatchewan parents the option to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and Canada child benefits for their newborn at the same time that they register their child’s birth.
“It’s an important time for parents, when a baby is born,” said Duclos. “Through our collaboration with the Province of Saskatchewan, we are simplifying processes to allow parents to spend more quality time with their newborn.”
“The Government of Canada is committed to providing faster service that supports and assists Canadians,” said Minister of National Revenue Diane Lebouthillier. “That includes helping them obtain the benefits to which they are entitled. The Canada Revenue Agency is actively partnering with federal and provincial departments to make it simple and easy for families across Canada to access Canada child benefits at a time when life can be particularly demanding.”
“Welcoming a newborn into the world can be an exciting and very busy time for parents,” Duncan said. “Our government is committed to supporting new parents and this new birth bundling package will make it quicker and easier for them to access government services related to the birth of their child.”
“We understand that new parents have their hands and arms full when they welcome a new addition into their family and don’t have a lot of extra time to be filling out paperwork,” eHealth Saskatchewan CEO Susan Antosh said. “Giving parents access to four optional government services through one comprehensive form will mean more free time to spend with their loved ones.”
After the birth of a baby, parents will receive an improved and more user-friendly Registration of Live Birth form, which makes it easier for parents to register the birth of their child and also apply for related government services, including:
- Social Insurance Number through ESDC;
- Canada Child Benefits (CCB) through CRA;
- Saskatchewan Health Card, through eHealth; and
- Saskatchewan Birth Certificate through eHealth.
Quick Facts:- The Registration of Live Birth form is available in health care facilities throughout Saskatchewan.
- With their child’s SIN, parents can access various Government of Canada programs and benefits including the Canada Learning Bond and the Canada Education Savings Grant.
- Applying early for CCB ensures that parents receive the credit and benefit payments to which they are entitled, on time and in the right amount.
- In addition to registering births, eHealth is responsible for providing health services cards and registering deaths, marriages and changes of name that occur in the province.
- The Bundled Birth Service is available for parents living in any of the provinces.
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For more information, contact:Tyler McMurchyHealthReginaPhone: 306-787-4083Email: tyler.mcmurchy@health.gov.sk.caCell: 306-537-3594Media Relations OfficeEmployment and Social Development CanadaPhone: 819-994-5559Email: media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.caPhilippe BrideauCanada Revenue AgencyPhone: 613-941-6269Lisa AdameHealth SaskatchewanReginaPhone: 306-337-0976Email: lisa.Adam@ehealthsask.caCell: 306-540-5816
