Started in 2001, Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the Canadian government. The primary goal of Infoway is to accelerate the development and adoption of digital health solutions across Canada. By leveraging technology and innovation, Infoway aims to improve the health and well-being of Canadians while increasing efficiency and reducing costs within the healthcare system.
Key Initiatives
Infoway’s work is guided by a set of key initiatives that focus on enhancing patient care, empowering healthcare providers, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders in the healthcare sector. These initiatives include:
- Electronic Health Records (EHR): Infoway is working to create a unified EHR system that allows healthcare providers to access patient information securely and efficiently, leading to better coordinated care and improved outcomes.
- e-Prescribing: Infoway is promoting the adoption of electronic prescribing systems to reduce medication errors, streamline the prescription process, and improve the overall safety and quality of patient care.
- Telehealth: Infoway is advancing telehealth solutions to increase access to healthcare services for Canadians in rural and remote areas, as well as for individuals with mobility or transportation challenges.
- Digital Health Innovation: Infoway supports the development and implementation of new digital health technologies and tools, such as mobile health apps, wearables, and virtual care platforms, to transform the delivery of healthcare services.
- Cybersecurity: Infoway is committed to ensuring the security and privacy of health information in the digital age by implementing robust cybersecurity measures and best practices across the healthcare system.
Impact and Benefits
The work of Infoway has had a significant impact on the Canadian healthcare system, leading to a wide range of benefits for patients, healthcare providers, and organizations. Some of the key benefits include:
- Improved Access to Care: Digital health solutions have made it easier for patients to connect with healthcare providers, access their medical records, and receive timely care, regardless of their location.
- Enhanced Communication and Coordination: Electronic health records and e-prescribing systems have improved communication and coordination among healthcare teams, leading to better informed decision-making and more personalized care for patients.
- Increased Efficiency and Cost Savings: By digitizing health information and automating administrative tasks, healthcare organizations have been able to streamline processes, reduce paperwork, and ultimately save time and resources.
- Empowered Patients: Digital health tools empower patients to take control of their health, engage in their care decisions, and access resources and information to support their well-being and treatment goals.
- Better Health Outcomes: The use of digital health technologies has been shown to improve health outcomes, reduce medical errors, and enhance the overall quality of care delivered to patients across the country.
Future Outlook
As technology continues to advance and evolve, Infoway remains focused on driving innovation and transformation within the Canadian healthcare system. By collaborating with government agencies, healthcare providers, industry partners, and the public, Infoway is paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare ecosystem. With a commitment to continuous improvement and learning, Infoway is poised to shape the future of digital health in Canada for years to come.
