Towards an Evaluation Framework for Electronic Health Records Initiatives



The Centre for Health Information, in partnership with Memorial University of Newfoundland, completed an E-Health Record Evaluation project titled Towards an Evaluation Framework for Electronic Health Records Initiatives: A Review and Assessment of Methods used to Measure the Impact of Health Information Systems Projects. The project was funded by Health Canada, Office of Health and the Information Highway, and was carried out between May 2002 and December 2003.

The goals of the project were to: review current approaches to evaluating the impact of health information systems (particularly those leading to an EHR); and develop an evaluation framework which addresses the information needs of key stakeholders and the identified best practices in the evaluation of such initiatives.

As a result of the study, three deliverables were produced (in addition to the final report) and released as separate, but complementary, documents:

An Evaluation of the Newfoundland and Labrador Client Registry



The Centre for Health Information implemented a provincial UPI/CR in 2001. In partnership with Canada Health Infoway Inc. "Canada Health Infoway", enhancements to the original UPI/CR system were completed in February, 2005, using Best of Breed (BoB) components. These enhancements were designed to create a reusable client registry solution which can be shared with other jurisdictions across Canada (CR1). An evaluation of this initiative was required to (1) ensure accountability for the funding received to develop the system; and (2) ensure that important knowledge gained from the Client Registry Project in NL is documented and shared with other jurisdictions in order to enhance their EHR related initiatives.

As a result of the study, the following document was produced and is available in English and French:

An Evaluation of the Provincial Telehealth Project



Telehealth plays a key role in improving health care service delivery to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Canada Health Infoway defines telehealth as the use of communications and information technology to deliver health care services over large and small distances, including remote and rural areas.

A recently completed Telehealth evaluation showed that 79% of providers and 81% of patients surveyed agreed that "Telehealth has made it easier for my patients/me to obtain an appointment with the specialist or other provider at the provider site". Patients using Telehealth services reported finding "no difference in using videoconferencing compared to a visit in person".

For further information on the Telehealth evaluation project in this province, we are pleased to provide you with a copy of the final evaluation report.


An Evaluation of the Provincial Picture Archiving and Communications System



The provincial Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) enables health care providers across the province to view, manage, distribute, and electronically store images and related medical reports on a secure computer system from any location, regardless of where the test was performed. This has replaced the use of film for diagnostic services such as x-rays, ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT), and mammography.

A recent evaluation shows that the PACS program has resulted in increased productivity and improved efficiency within our health care system with a significant reduction in repeated exams and patient transfers. It has also improved patient care by providing remote sites more timely access to radiologists and specialists, ensuring improved access regardless of geography.

For further information on the evaluation of the PACS program, we are pleased to provide you with a copy of the final evaluation report.