Better Information
for Improved Health:
A Vision for Canada
Overview Presentation
Revised: February 28, 2012
Health system use of
information
(or HSU) refers to the use of health
information to improve the health of
Canadians through a better health
system.
Better Information for Improved Health: A Vision for Canada
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Categories of Use
Better healthcare and improved health for Canadians
Health System Use
Care to the
Patient
Clinical Program
Management
Use of data to
provide direct
care to the
patient
Use of data to
improve frontline health care
programs and
services
Health System
Management
Use of data to
improve the
effectiveness
and efficiency of
the health care
system
Public Health
Research
Use of data to
understand the
health of the
public and for
public health
activities
Use of data for
health research
Note: Health information is also used to support other uses of information as permitted by law, such as ensuring food safety and complying with
regulatory and medical certification requirements.
Better Information for Improved Health: A Vision for Canada
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Examples of Use
Clinical Program
Management
Health System
Management
Public Health
Research
>
Using hospital admission and discharge data to improve clinical
management and discharge protocols.
>
Using drug data to target improvements in hospital care and
patient safety.
>
Using data to assist provincial/territorial ministries in the
management of health expenditures.
>
Using health human resource data to inform planning and policy
development.
>
Using health and demographic data to develop targeted
immunization campaigns.
>
Using data to detect influenza and potential outbreaks on a realtime basis.
>
Using data to improve patients’ experience through the continuum
of care.
>
Using historical data on population-wide pandemics to simulate
and model possible future pandemics.
Better Information for Improved Health: A Vision for Canada
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The Stage is Set
• The digital age is creating new opportunities
• Information and knowledge are key for
informed decision-making
• Technology allows for more and better data to
be collected and transformed into knowledge
Better Information for Improved Health: A Vision for Canada
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The Value
Patient
Clinicians
Health
System
• Improved access
• Higher quality care
• Enhanced patient safety
• Better clinical outcomes
• Improved client satisfaction
• Enhanced efficiencies
• Better health outcomes
• Improved system efficiencies
• Improved resource allocation
and utilization
Resulting in
a better
performing
health
system
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Recognition of the Importance
• Federal and provincial governments are
spending billions of dollars on health
information technology
• Canada Health Infoway was created to foster
and accelerate the development and adoption of
electronic health record (EHR) and electronic
medical record (EMR) systems
• The Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health
(CDM) have recognized the importance of using
information from EHR systems to support all
levels of decision-making
Better Information for Improved Health: A Vision for Canada
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A Joint Effort
Infoway and CIHI are jointly working to promote,
facilitate and incorporate the use of health
information in health system decision-making (or
HSU – health system use) into on-going
transformation and investment activities taking
place across the country
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Shared Vision: Better Information for Improved Health
Use of health information supports decision-making
Capacity
The people,
processes and tools
are in place to
appropriately collect
and use health
information.
Data is Collected: Appropriate data is captured as part of or
related to an interaction with the health system; data is
structured and coded in a standardized way.
Data is Available: Data is accurate, reliable, timely, available,
comparable and accessible.
Data is Used: Information is responsibly used to support care,
to improve performance and advance the policy agenda.
Infrastructure: The policy, governance and technology infrastructure are in place to
support and enable the collection and use of health information.
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Case Studies
• Data on senior's health in Nova Scotia led to equitable
allocation at the provincial level of more than $70
million in new long-term care beds
• Quality indicator reviews led to a decrease in the use of
anti-anxiety and hypnotic drugs in nursing homes
from 25% to 10% in 18 months (Health region in
Saskatchewan)
• Quality indicator reviews led to a shift in care
approaches resulting in a 20% decrease in restraint
use in long-term care facilities across the Saskatoon
Health Region and specifically a 40% decrease in one
particular facility (Pleasant View Care Home,
Saskatchewan)
Better Information for Improved Health: A Vision for Canada
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The vision is not only
about creating something
new – it is about
optimizing what is being
developed or is in place
Optimization
Implications
Better Information for Improved Health: A Vision for Canada
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Making the Vision a Reality
• Document the vision
• Undertake consultation
• Develop a roadmap
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