Happenings - Nursing Informatics

Abstract

In the early 1990s most Canadian provinces initiated reviews of their health-care systems. A common theme of the resulting reports was recognition of information systems as a key enabler of health-sector reform - and lack of good information as a key barrier to such reform. As a result, many provinces are allocating significant resources to the enhancement of the health-information systems in their jurisdictions. It is estimated that by the turn of the century $300-750 million will have been spent on provincial health-network initiatives alone (CANARIE, 1996). For instance, significant resources have been committed to Alberta's Wellnet, Manitoba's Health Information Network, and Ontario's Smart Systems for Health. These projects, which are often undertaken in cooperation with the private sector, share many goals, such as: _ integration of information systems to achieve a client/patient- centred focus, with a view to improving information-sharing and facilitating integration of health services _ support of epidemiological research and improved management of the health-care system _ elimination of duplication and waste, thereby improving quality of care and saving money.