The $3.4-million program was rolled out Thursday with statements from chiefs with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Southern Chiefs Organization and the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak in the north.
The groups say it's the first time First Nations health workers have had access to software to consolidate patient files and manage care through electronic records directly on First Nations.
"The vision is to create an integrated system, and although there are limitations right now, we are making a step in the right direction," AMC Grand Chief Derek Nepinak said.
Once on-reserve patient records for health care are integrated by June 2013, First Nations hope to tap into systems to allow them to link their records with those kept in clinics, nursing stations and hospitals.
Preoperative surgery assessments, from blood tests to consultations with medical specialists, could then be performed by telehealth conferences on First Nations.
"This will mean our people won't have to travel long distances for what could be very short appointments," Nepinak said.
Of the nine First Nations, six -- Canupawakpa, Sandy Bay, Ebb and Flow, Opaskwayak Cree, Peguis and Brokenhead -- have already signed up.
An AMC steering committee to oversee the project is expected to select the final three First Nations in the coming months.
Manitoba is using software the Cowichan Tribes of British Columbia developed.
In Manitoba, the goal is to link the First Nations electronic health system with doctors' offices, nursing stations and regional health authorities' systems in hospitals and clinics while respecting patient confidentiality.
Right now, patient records are fragmented.
"In the province of Manitoba there is no one source of health-care information related to the provision of services to our people," said Walter Wastesicoot, a spokesman for MKO Grand Chief David Harper. "To improve services, it's important to have one source of information."
Morris Shannacappo, Grand Chief of the 30 First Nations in the Southern Chiefs Organization, said managing health care on a community basis will pay off in shorter wait times and faster communication.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Alexandra Paul
Quelle/Source: Winnipeg Free Press, 27.01.2012
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