Virtual Care in Canada: Strengthening Data and Information

Executive summary

On the topic of virtual care, health system decision-makers have more questions than answers. This report explores the current landscape of Canadian virtual care data and information. It includes a  snapshot of available virtual care data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), the provinces and territories, and pan-Canadian health care organizations. It also recommends new areas of pan-Canadian focus for measuring the quality and accessibility of virtual care.

Illustrating the COPD client’s journey through the care continuum using PHC EMR data from The Alliance for Healthier Communities

Beginning in January 2018, CIHI and The Alliance for Healthier Communities embarked on a collaborative project focused on demonstrating the value of collecting structured linkable EMR data, especially for diagnosis and treatment data. In March 2018, The Alliance CHC members and CIHI reached an agreement to share 3 years of EMR data. The Alliance’s Business Intelligence Reporting Tool (BIRT) was leveraged to minimize impact on clinicians and in July, The Alliance successfully shared with CIHI 3 years of data from 73 CHCs for 570,000 clients representing more than 8.5 million encounters.

Patterns of Community Care for Mental Health and Addictions: Insights From Community Health Centre EMR Data

CIHI partnered with the Alliance for Healthier Communities (Alliance) to conduct this second proof-of-concept analysis focused on mental health and addictions. The Alliance represents a network of community-governed primary health care organizations that includes Ontario’s community health centres (CHCs).i CHCs provide interdisciplinary care to clients through a team-based approach, and remuneration is on a salaried basis. Care is integrated and coordinated both within the CHCs and with external health care providers and community-based agencies.