Ontario's Deputy Premier and Health Minister says their new Digital First for health strategy will help end hallway healthcare, offer more choice and convenience.
Christine Elliot announced the government's five pillars for the new strategy, including more virtual care options like video visits and secure messaging.
Patients will see expanded online booking and better access to their health record.
Providers will see more connected tools so records from multiple health service providers can be accessed. Data integration and predictive analytics will help them manage resources and improve care.
Elliot said that should lead to earlier intervention and better management of chronic diseases.
The first phase of the digital strategy will increase the availability of virtual care with approximately 55,000 more video visits provided by physicians directly to patients in their location of choice over the next year. To do so, the government will invest $3 million in new funding to compensate physicians for video visits they are now able to provide.
Elliot reports two-thirds of Canadians are interested in consulting with various health care providers through a virtual platform.
"Ontario is adopting new digital practices and technologies that will improve the patient experience and help end hallway health care by expanding access to digital and virtual care options," said Elliott. "Our Digital First for Health strategy will support how we will achieve a modern and fully connected health care system. For Ontarians, this will mean being able to choose how they receive care and services, control over how to access personal health information, and not needing to retell their stories. For health care providers, this will mean having the necessary information and supports at their fingertips, enabling them to focus on care rather than technology."
As the development and implementation of the digital-first approach to health continue, the government will make continued investments to expand digital health solutions in support of the full implementation of the strategy.
"Ontario is already a world leader in providing specialized care video visits to patients at health care facilities across the province, improving access to care in our most northern and rural communities," said Dr. Ed Brown, CEO of Ontario Telemedicine Network. "Recently, we've focused on more innovative virtual care options that connect patients directly with health care providers easily and conveniently through their own personal computer or smartphone. The ability to connect virtually enables patients to receive care when and where they need it."
