Infoway helps patients Click+Book appointments

e-Booking Initiative launches in two weeks

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Nine in ten Quebecers want to be able to e-book health care appointments and soon the patients of eligible clinicians who participate in the Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) e-Booking Initiative will be able to do so. 

E-booking offers patients the ability to book medical appointments online or with a mobile device, manage those appointments and receive appointment confirmations and reminders electronically.

On October 15, 2014, eligible licensed physicians and nurse practitioners in community-based or ambulatory care settings are invited to join the e-Booking Initiative, which offers clinicians financial support to offset costs associated with implementation. 

"While interest in e-booking is high among Quebecers, only a few clinics offer it," said Michael Green, president and CEO, Canada Health Infoway. "We encourage eligible providers to take part in this Initiative, which will benefit both patients and the clinicians who care for them."

According to an Infoway white paper: Exploring the value, benefits and common concerns of e-booking and an HEC Montreal benefits evaluation report: Adoption, Use and Effects of an e-appointment System: Results of a Quebec Showcase Project, e-booking offers significant benefits to clinicians and patients including reduced no-show appointments, increased productivity, and enhanced patient and staff satisfaction.

The HEC Montreal report examined the adoption, use and effects of implementing an e-booking system in seven clinics in the Montreal area over a two year period. During that time, 92 per cent of patients said they never forgot an appointment after using an e-booking system, up from 82 per cent, and patient satisfaction was high.

About the e-Booking Initiative
Qualifying participants of the e-Booking Initiative that meet reporting and adoption milestones will receive financial support to offset costs associated with implementation and participation in the Initiative.

The registration period is open from October 15, 2014 through December 15, 2014 (3:00 p.m. ET). To learn more, or to access information and resources to support implementation, visit www.infoway.ca/ebooking.

About Canada Health Infoway
Infoway helps to improve the health of Canadians by working with partners to accelerate the development, adoption and effective use of digital health across Canada. Through our investments, we help deliver better quality and access to care and more efficient delivery of health services for patients and clinicians. Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government.

SOURCE: Canada Health Infoway

For further information: Dan Strasbourg, Director, Media Relations, Canada Health Infoway, Tel: [phone], [e-mail]