Health providers in Newfoundland and Labrador transitioning to electronic health records to receive support, mentorship from peers

ST. JOHN'S, NL, May 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Supporting pharmacists, physicians and nurses to work together to enhance the effective use of technology in clinical practice is the objective of a new peer mentorship initiative launched by the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information (the Centre) and Canada Health Infoway (Infoway).

"We recognize clinicians transitioning to electronic health record (EHR) systems need to be engaged from the outset and they need to be able to count on their colleagues for leadership and support," said Richard Alvarez, President and CEO, Canada Health Infoway.

As part of Infoway's clinical engagement strategy, which connects physicians, pharmacists and nurses, the pan-Canadian Clinical Peer Leader Support Network Program enables experienced peer leaders to work closely with their colleagues to help them achieve clinical value through practice and process changes during the adoption process.

The Infoway/Newfoundland and Labrador Clinical Peer Support Network Project will result in assistance and mentorship for clinicians learning to use EHR systems, such as the Pharmacy Network - the provincial electronic drug information system in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Having experienced peer leaders available to share their knowledge and experience with pharmacists and technicians about to connect to the Pharmacy Network will enhance and support clinical adoption," said Mike Barron, CEO, Centre for Health Information. "Peer Leaders will also be instrumental in working with their colleagues to advance adoption of other EHR systems in clinical environments."

Infoway's continued investment in clinician peer networks is part of the $500 million in funding provided by the Government of Canada in its 2010 Budget. The Newfoundland and Labrador Clinician Peer Support Network builds on a previous project funded by Infoway and is one of several Clinical Peer Support Networks across Canada.

About The Newfoundland & Labrador Centre for Health Information (the Centre)

The Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information (the Centre) provides quality information to health professionals, the public, researchers and health system decision-makers. Through collaboration with the health system, the Centre supports the development of data and technical standards, maintains key health databases, prepares and distributes health reports, and supports and carries out applied health research and benefits evaluations. The Centre's mandate also includes the development and implementation of a confidential and secure provincial electronic health record, including the change management required to support adoption by end user clinicians.

About Canada Health Infoway

Canada Health Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. Infoway jointly invests with every province and territory to accelerate the development and adoption of information and communications technology projects in Canada. Fully respecting patient confidentiality, these secure systems will provide clinicians and patients with the information they need to better support safe care decisions and manage their own health. Accessing this vital information quickly will help foster a more modern and sustainable health care system for all Canadians.

Dan Strasbourg      
Director, Media Relations
Canada Health Infoway
Tel.: [phone]
[email protected]

Colleen Ryan 
Director of Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information
Tel.: [phone]
coll[email protected]