Canada’s shift to digital modernization
By Christine Grimm, Senior VP, Strategy, Performance and Digital Health; Nordic Global Lead - Performance Improvement
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped healthcare globally, and Canada is no exception. In response to challenges posed by the pandemic, Canada's healthcare system has embarked on a journey of rapid adaptation and evolution. As health organizations move forward, there is a strong desire to address the many pain points experienced by patients, providers, planners, and the public. In the 2023 federal budget, the Government of Canada invested $505 million over five years for the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canada Health Infoway, and federal data partners to work with provinces and territories to improve digital health tools and enhance healthcare data collection and use.
Common themes coming from healthcare organizations as they refresh their digital health strategy reaffirm commitment to creating a connected healthcare system based on lessons learned. This involves improving access to and sharing of healthcare data but also empowering patients and healthcare providers with better access to information to improve care and outcomes. Underpinning this is the need to better navigate the complexities of the healthcare data ecosystem – building trust and obtaining social license, establishing responsible data governance practices, and promoting the use of data and analytics as the foundation for a learning health system.
The shift towards digital modernization and analytics maturity does not need to be linear. Organizations can leapfrog ahead by aligning their digital health strategy with their organizational goals, optimizing existing investments like their EHR and enterprise resource planning, and incorporating cloud services and capabilities that enable AI and machine learning through advances in data architecture, tools, and technology. Equally important is the need for progressive organizational and data management practices to optimize health system operations, provide tailored insights to drive decision-making, and deliver value to clinicians, researchers, and healthcare managers.
Cloud adoption in Canadian healthcare has been slow but is driven by the imperative to improve patient care, enhance operational efficiency, and address healthcare challenges nationwide. CIOs are increasingly investing in cybersecurity, application modernization, cloud platforms, and data analytics to meet these objectives. Cloud computing helps organizations reduce costs, scale resources easily, and improve security, collaboration, and disaster recovery, ultimately leading to a better healthcare experience.
Several Canadian healthcare organizations have successfully implemented cloud-based health IT solutions. Recent examples include:
Queensway Carleton Hospital implemented a point-to-point model that allows it to exchange patient records with The Ottawa Hospital, an Epic client. This initiative was enabled by MEDITECH’s Traverse Exchange Canada, a first-of-its kind cloud-based interoperability network that facilitates the free flow of health information between multiple participating organizations, giving clinicians a more holistic view of their patients’ care.
Fraser Health Authority, the largest and fastest growing health authority in British Columbia, will be one of the first health systems globally to deploy generative AI to assist with clinical documentation in MEDITECH’s Expanse EHR, using Google Cloud’s Vertex AI and large language models.
In January 2024, Brant Community Healthcare System became the first customer in Canada to sign for MEDITECH as a Service, a cloud-based subscription model of the Expanse EHR that offers an expedited implementation timeframe and less complexity, maintenance, and cost than traditional systems.
As cloud adoption continues to grow throughout Canada, leaders are embracing the idea that IT modernization encompasses more than just implementing technology and architecture; it also encompasses people, relationships, processes, and governance. With a lens on data management, analytics, and reporting, Healthtech has conducted research across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, using mixed method approaches to uncover challenges, enablers, and current trends in these areas, especially within the context of a learning health system. The findings match what we’ve explored throughout this e-book: Building a successful healthcare analytics program requires empowered stakeholders, leadership buy-in, and robust data governance. Establishing a center of excellence and clear regulatory frameworks for responsible data use are crucial, alongside investments in technology and talent to ensure high-quality data and actionable insights drive organizational value and inform effective decision-making.
The adoption of cloud technology promises a bright future for healthcare in Canada. Cloud-based solutions will transform healthcare delivery, clinical care, research, and policymaking. Digital health strategies leveraging cloud technology will be pivotal in constructing a connected and resilient healthcare system. By embracing cloud technology, Canada can improve patient care, streamline operations, and fuel innovation.
Overcoming challenges and fostering collaboration are vital for unlocking the full potential of cloud-based health IT solutions. With a digitally enabled healthcare system on the horizon, Canada anticipates improved health outcomes and more equitable healthcare services nationwide.
Healthtech is the leading Canadian healthcare consulting firm focused exclusively on information technology and informatics. We combine deep clinical experience with extensive technical knowledge to provide our clients with strategic counsel and thoughtful guidance. For over 40 years, we’ve been at the forefront of technology and clinical/organizational transformation projects across the continuum of care. Healthtech provides strategy and performance partnerships, digital health and cloud services, implementation and support solutions, and managed services.
