The overarching goal of Digital Health at the North East LHIN is: one patient, one record. This means a single point of access for services, patients tell their story only once, and service providers can securely access and share health information electronically while upholding patient privacy.
The Ministry has identified Digital Health as a key focus area, which the NE LHIN continues to support through its IHSP priorities and goals.
eHealth is a Digital Health term used to describe the use of information and clinical technologies in health care and is a key enabler of systemic change in Ontario. eHealth holds the potential to enhance patient care and access.
Technology and information can: support patients to become healthier; provide faster access and a stronger link to family health care; and provide information to the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
As noted in Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care, “When a (primary care) patient is discharged from hospital, they need to be made aware and able to access information quickly for appropriate follow-up.” Digital Health enables this access.