New patient portals launched, but lots more needed

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. – The Group Health Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has joined the ranks of healthcare organizations offering a patient portal with secure access to test results and much more.

The Group Health Centre has launched myCARE, a secure online patient portal that provides patients with the ability to send messages to their healthcare team, request prescription renewals, manage appointments, and review lab test results online.

A survey of the more than 1,500 patients who were involved in the pilot phase reported that:

• 99 percent of patients surveyed would recommend myCARE to a friend or family member
• 97 percent agree that myCARE is user-friendly
• 93 percent agree it was easy to register
• 90 percent agree it’s easy to use

Alex Lambert (pictured), CEO of Group Health Centre, is confident that the launch of myCARE will help improve access to care and advice for patients.

“We believe healthcare is most effective when patients are engaged,” he said. “myCARE offers patients a number of unprecedented options for access, information, and communication. This kind of patient engagement leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.”

Michael Green, president and CEO of Canada Health Infoway, wants to maintain the momentum.

“While Canadians are ready for e-booking and viewing lab results online, only 6 to 10 percent have access now,” added Green. “The potential to enhance Canadians’ patient experience by improving care and reducing the amount of time required to renew prescriptions, book appointments and manage illness has never been greater than it is today.”

That view is echoed by leading Canadian health care organizations who have established Digital Health Week (November 16 – 22, 2015) to recognize how digital health is transforming care and helping to improve delivery of care across the country.

Think digital health isn’t making a difference? Think again. Visit www.betterhealthtogether.ca.