Luddite or luminary?

The Electronic Health Record (EHR) charge is on across the country, with increasing investments in systems infrastructure, the adoption of standards and the integration of health information systems within regions and across sectors of care. In the near term, whether they are institutionor community-based, all nurses will need to use the various functional components of EHRs. Infoway has set a direction for Canada to reach the goal of having an EHR for 50% of Canadians by 2010 (Canada Health Infoway 2007). As an investment partner, Infoway is working within all provincial and territorial jurisdictions to deploy the foundations of the Canadian EHR. Client and provider registries, laboratory, diagnostic imaging and drug information systems, public health surveillance and telehealth applications are among the key functional components. Additionally, funding is being directed to innovative technological approaches, including investments to facilitate clients’ access to care, and information and support for cancer care, mental health and primary care.