Ensuring Interoperability and Data
Security in Universal Electronic
Health Records (EHR) System
Legislation in Canada
Group | 5
•Shiv Bhatt|8894146
•Preethi Bala | 8860993
•Dipal Brahmbhatt | 8891195
•Parth Gudaliya | 8881114
•Aditya Dhiman | 8834582
Introduction:
Efficiency Boost: EHR systems streamline
access to patient records, improving diagnosis and
treatment speed.
Coordination Improvement: Interoperable EHRs
enhance communication among healthcare
providers, ensuring better coordination and
continuity of care.
Security Concerns: EHR systems require robust
security measures to prevent unauthorized access
and data breaches, maintaining patient trust and
confidentiality.
Area of Health Law: Area of Practice: Location, Health
Discipline:
Health Information Protection Legislation
Electronic Health Records Standards and Requirements It considers the geographical location (such as hospitals,
Cybersecurity Laws and Regulations clinics, or community health centers and Pharmacies)
and associated health disciplines and stakeholders (such
Data Breach Notification Laws as Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and mainly patients).
Healthcare Provider Accountability and Professional
Standards
(The Legal Status of Clinical and Ethics Policies, Codes, and
Guidelines in Medical Practice and Research, n.d.)
Why is this an issue that needs to be addressed?
Patient Safety Efficiency: - Privacy: -
Medical errors may arise due to Poor coordination and Essential to maintain trust in the
inefficient and inaccurate data. communication between healthcare healthcare system by protecting
Inadequate accessibility raises the professionals became difficult patient data.
chance of mistakes in diagnosis because of fragmented systems. To protect sensitive health
and treatment that limit the smooth The accessibility of electronic information, interoperability along
transfer of patient data between all health records (EHRs) enhances with strong data security measures
healthcare settings. (Li et al., 2021) performance by eliminating is much needed. (Li et al., 2021)
duplicates, speeding workflows
and providing quick access to
patient data. (Li et al., 2021)
Associated benefits/results
• Better patient outcomes
• Improved the provision of Healthcare
• Enhanced data privacy
• Empowering patients & healthcare
providers
• Reduction in duplication of tests &
procedures
• Develop public health policies
(Unlocking the Power of Health Data, 2022)
Key Impacts
• Improving care Coordination between Healthcare providers:
Interoperable EHR systems improve the easy exchange of patient
data amongst various healthcare providers and facilities, reducing
the possibility of medical errors and improving care coordination.
• Access to comprehensive health records: Patients can access
their complete health records electronically, which empowers
them to take a more active part in maintaining their health and
making educated decisions in conjunction with their
healthcare providers.
• Reduces Administrative workload: Streamlining data exchange
and automated processes in interoperable EHR systems helps
reduce administrative tasks, such as allowing healthcare staff to
focus more on patient care.
Who is affected?
• Physicians, nurses, allied health personnels, and staff members of
administration will see changes in their workflows and responsibilities.
• Patients: Better care coordination and patient access to medical records
will be beneficial to patients.
• Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organization will need to make
investments in technology advancements, staff training, and policy
development to comply with the interoperability standards of the
Universal EHR system.
• Governmental organizations: Health departments and regulatory
agencies will be crucial in creating and carrying out guidelines and
policies that facilitate the use of interoperable universal EHRs.
Healthcare practices will alter as a result of the interoperable EHR
system transition, which will take time and involve coordinated efforts
from multiple stakeholders. A staggered implementation strategy
guarantees a more seamless integration into the current healthcare
systems and permits incremental changes.
Changes Required
• To ensure the smooth exchange of electronic
health information and improve coordination among
healthcare providers, it is important to establish
universal standards for EHR interoperability.
Furthermore, to safeguard patient privacy and
confidentiality, it is essential to strengthen data
security measures. This involves implementing
robust encryption techniques and access controls to
protect EHRs against cyber threats.
Additionally, regulatory oversight is necessary to
ensure compliance with these standards and
security protocols. This includes creating regulatory
bodies to monitor and enforce adherence to
legislation (Canadian Medical Association, 2020).
What Has to Be Done
• To achieve these changes, collaboration among various stakeholders is
paramount. This includes active involvement from government agencies,
healthcare providers, technology vendors, and patient advocacy groups.
Together, they must work towards developing and implementing universal
standards for EHR interoperability.
• Advocacy for legislative changes is also crucial. Engaging policymakers,
lawmakers, and stakeholders at both federal and provincial levels is
necessary to prioritize and enact legislation that addresses gaps in EHR
interoperability and data security. (Canadian Medical Association, 2020)
• Furthermore, significant investment in IT infrastructure and workforce
training is required. Additionally, workforce training programs must be
implemented to ensure that healthcare professionals possess the necessary
skills to effectively manage EHR systems while maintaining data security.
Recommendations
Establish and Implement Interoperability Standards for EHR Systems
• Create and enforce standardized protocols and data formats
to guarantee that patient health information is communicated
and exchanged seamlessly across different EHR systems and
healthcare organisations.
• Collaborate with industry stakeholders, standards
organizations, and regulatory agencies to develop
interoperability norms that emphasize data security, privacy,
and compatibility.
• Provide incentives and support for healthcare providers and
organisations to use interoperable EHR systems, resulting in
a more linked and integrated healthcare environment.
Enhancing Data
Privacy and Security
• Use strong encryption, authentication, and
access control techniques to protect sensitive
patient health information housed in EHR
systems.
• Perform regular security audits, risk
assessments, and compliance checks to detect
and mitigate possible vulnerabilities and threats.
• Provide continuing training and instruction to
healthcare professionals on best practices for
preserving patient privacy and adhering to
applicable data protection requirements.
Embrace Technological
Innovation to Enhance
EHR Systems
• Investigate the use of artificial intelligence (AI),
blockchain technology, and telemedicine technologies in
EHR systems to enhance clinical decision support, data
analytics, and remote patient monitoring capabilities.
• Encourage collaboration among healthcare providers,
technology companies, and research institutes to test and
evaluate novel EHR apps and features.
• Set aside resources and funds for continuing research
and development activities focused on improving the
usability, scalability, and interoperability of EHR
systems.
Reference
• The Legal Status of Clinical and Ethics Policies, Codes, and Guidelines in Medical Practice and Research.
(n.d.). McGill Law Journal. Retrieved March 22, 2024, from
https://lawjournal.mcgill.ca/article/the-legal-status-of-clinical-and-ethics-policies-codes-and-guidelines-in-medical-pr
actice-and-research/
• Li, E., Clarke, J., Neves, A. L., Ashrafian, H., & Darzi, A. (2021, July). Electronic Health Records, Interoperability
and Patient Safety in Health Systems of High-income Countries: A Systematic Review Protocol. BMJ Open,
11(7), e044941. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044941
• Unlocking the power of health data. (2022, June 23).
https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/competition-bureau-canada/en/unlocking-power-health-data
• Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2024). Pan-Canadian Health Data Content Framework
https://www.cihi.ca/en/connected-care/pan-canadian-health-data-content-framework
• Fragidis, L. L., & Chatzoglou, P. D. (2018). Implementation of a nationwide electronic health record (EHR).
International Journal of Health Care Quality https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA-09-2016-0136
References
• Canadian Medical Association. (2020). Pathways to implementing EHR interoperability and data security
legislation. Retrieved from https://www.cma.ca/
• Unlocking the power of health data. (2022, June 23).
https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/competition-bureau-canada/en/unlocking-power-health-.
• Li, E., Clarke, J., Neves, A. L., Ashrafian, H., & Darzi, A. (2021). Electronic Health Records, Interoperability and
Patient Safety in Health Systems of High-income Countries: A Systematic Review Protocol. BMJ open, 11(7),
e044941.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044941
