A Model for Canada
Since its inception in 1996, the Centre for Health Information has become the most comprehensive health information centre of its kind in Canada and is a model for other jurisdictions.
The Centre's vision is the improved health and well-being of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador by making quality health information available to the public, health professionals, government, regional health authorities, and other people and organizations. Working closely with these stakeholders, the Centre is responsible for the development and management of a province-wide Health Information Network (HIN). This is a tool to help achieve the best possible health for every person in the province. The HIN will help improve health by allowing health professionals to electronically share information with other health professionals. The Centre will support decision-making, planning, and research with reliable statistics and applied health research.
The Electronic Health Record
Several projects are underway at the Centre that will assist in the development of the HIN and support a person-specific Electronic Health Record (EHR). The health infomatics projects currently completed or under development are: the Unique Personal Identifier/Client Registry (completed); Pharmacy Network (planning); Laboratory Information System (discussion stage); and Diagnostic Imaging/Picture Archiving and Communications System (being implemented and managed by the Department of Health and Community Services with the Centre).
Standardizing, analyzing, and reporting statistical data
The Data Standards and Information division is responsible for ensuring health data from different sources is consistent in definition, measurement, collection, and interpretation. Two key national data standards are the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems Tenth Revision, Canada (ICD-10-CA) and the Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (CCI), and the Management Information Systems (MIS) Standards. ICD-10-CA and CCI translates clinical information into alphanumeric codes and the MIS Standards standardize workload and financial data from the health system.
The Research and Evaluation division prepares and analyzes statistical health information from databases of coded information. This division works closely with local, provincial and national partners such as Memorial University and Health Canada in carrying out applied health research. Some of the areas of interest to the Research and Evaluation team include evaluating Electronic Health Record initiatives, prescription medication utilization, health performance indicators, childhood development, chronic disease, and social and mental wellness.
Protecting personal information
The Centre recognizes that protecting the privacy of personal health information is central to meeting its mandate. The Centre has worked closely with the health system to develop policies for the electronic collection, use, storage, and disclosure of personal information. Technical solutions to protect personal information are part of the design of all information systems implemented by the Centre.
Leading the country in the development of Health Information Systems
The four areas of responsibility at the Centre (HIN, Data Standards and Information, Research and Evaluation, and Privacy and Confidentiality) are key elements for the development of a provincial health information system. The Centre is a leader, both nationally and internationally, in providing health information that is comprehensive, available to all authorized users, and secure. It is supported by existing information systems in Newfoundland and Labrador such as Meditech in the hospitals and long-term care sites and the Client and Referral Management System (CRMS) in the Health and Community Services system.
Creating new investment, opportunities and Jobs
The Centre is an innovative health agency creating new jobs, providing a return on government's investment; bringing new money into the province; and adding to the growth of Newfoundland and Labrador's private sector.