The rapidly moving fields of medical technology and IT have found unique ways to work together, combining mobile communications with health-related applications. With tremendous potential health benefits, the need for mobile medical apps is clear. However, as this new industry takes off, it is necessary that a regulatory framework be developed to ensure the highest safety standards for these devices.
The reports from the United Kingdom reinforce concerns that Canada Health Infoway’s blueprint may not be practical or achievable, says Norm Archer, professor emeritus/special advisor at the eBusiness Research Centre at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. “They should not try to implement it in the short term. To set out with a highly centralized system and try to extend it downwards [towards patients and clinicians] doesn’t work.”
Read more: CA: Centralized, nationwide electronic health records schemes under assault
Rona Ambrose, Public Works Minister, said that not only will the information technology system be more efficient and secure this way, it will also be cheaper. The government expects to see cost savings of US$102-204 million a year.
Read more: CA: IT shared services to save US$102-204 mil a year
EHealth is the gift that keeps on giving, the kiss of death in a field that is supposed to save lives. Brace yourself, in the weeks leading up to the Oct. 6 vote, for yet more reruns of the “billion-dollar-boondoggle” attack line.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford used that catchphrase to devastating effect against his opponent in the city’s mayoral election — former provincial health minister George Smitherman, who carried much of the baggage for the eHealth fiasco. But like that other Ford slogan — “ending the gravy train at city hall” — the billion-dollar-boondoggle allegation doesn’t quite add up.
Read more: CA: Ontario: eHealth fiasco has a deep and wasteful history
After years of discussion and some early work with the centralized provision and management of IT services through Public Works's Information Technology Services Branch, the federal government announced the establishment of a broader-based department that will begin consolidating the bureaucracy's disparate tech systems.
Read more: SMEs call for clarity on Shared Services Canada strategy