Canada Faces Labour Shortage in Growing Health Information Field
Lack of Skilled Professionals Impedes Health Information Nationally
VANCOUVER, March 6, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA) has identified that labour shortages could pose serious risk to the successful implementation of Electronic Health Information System (EHIS) technologies in Canada.
CHIMA partnered with Health vendors to investigate metrics on the supply of professionals in the Health Information Management (HIM) occupations, with forecasts for future industry demand.
Significant Findings of the Sector Study:
- There is a serious risk that labour and skill shortages will constrain the successful implementation of Electronic Health Information System technologies in Canada
- Additional 6,320 to 12,330 HIM professionals are needed by 2014, due to growing investment and adoption of EHIS
- Vacancy rates of over 10% exist for six of the 27 occupational groups studied
Despite these findings, originally published in 2009, there continues to be chronic, widespread labour shortages within the Canadian Health Information Technology field.
Health Information Technology (HIT) refers to the broad management of health information across computerized systems. HIT ensures the secure transfer and exchange of records between medical providers, government entities, insurers and consumers.
Lori MacMullin, President of Centre for Distance Education (CD-ED), an accredited national Online distance learning college with headquarters in Nova Scotia, says "Electronic Health Information Systems are where the world is heading, and there's a real need in Canada for professionals in this area."
MacMillin says that recognizing a need in the industry is what led CD-ED to develop their Health Information Management Diploma program. The program, conducted entirely by correspondence through online distance learning, is recognized by CHIMA and prepares graduates to sit for the National Certification Exam.
"Health Information Management can be a great career for detail-oriented, responsible individuals interested in medical technology and administration - but there needs to be programs in place to get these people trained and qualified to enter the field" says MacMillin. "Ultimately it's individual Canadians who will suffer if our healthcare system doesn't embrace changing technology and get ahead of trends in the industry."
For further information:
on how CD-ED's HIM program will meet the growing needs of the HIM industry in Canada, please contact Lori MacMullin, [email protected], 1-888-363-1901
Share this article