Technology is constantly revolutionizing our lives, and health care is no exception. Digital technology is transforming people’s health and the delivery of health care services. For example, digital technologies that are currently utilized and on the rise include:

• Electronic health records (EHR) – a transformation from paper charts that have improved health care in a number of capacities. EHRs allow providers access to a complete patient record in real-time, reduce costs and improve quality of care (e.g. medication errors).
• Tele-health – available across Canada and in many other countries around the world. This technology allows patients to access care from remote locations. The multiple benefits include reducing the burden on emergency departments, eliminating patient travel time and costs and providing access to health care advice for those in rural communities.
• Remote Patient Monitoring – digital technologies capture and transmit patients from remote locations (e.g. their home) to allow providers to monitor patients outside of traditional health care settings. These technologies may include a range of devices from automated biosensors to smartphone apps.

Interested in learning more about digital health technologies in Canada? Check out Canada Health Infoway:
https://www.betterhealthtogether.ca/
https://www.infoway-inforoute.ca/en/