Standardizing health data for good medicine and connected care

“As a family doctor, I often hold the most complete picture of my patients’ health because the majority of patient care happens in the community and much of that information lives in my EMR. Yet I don’t always see what happens when my patients receive care in hospitals, specialist offices, or walk in clinics. Too often I’m logging into multiple systems and piecing together information myself, always wondering if something is missing. To provide safe, coordinated care, I need a clear, up-to-date picture of my patient’s health regardless of where they received care. National standards like the Canadian Core Data for Interoperability are essential so information can follow the patient and allow me to focus on the patient in front of me.”

– Dr. Chandi Chandrasena, chief medical officer, Ontario MD

Connected care requires more than technology – it requires shared standards. Standardized health data is crucial for building a world class health system, improving patient care, and supporting innovation in Canada’s health technology sector.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) is enabling connected care in Canada: A more coordinated, data-driven system where accurate health information flows securely and easily across the health system.

On March 31, 2026, CIHI released Version 2 of the Canadian Core Data for Interoperability (CACDI), strengthening the national foundation for interoperable standards-based health data exchange.

As Canada makes progress towards advancing connected care through Bill S-5, the Connected Care for Canadians Act, the CACDI provides a practical and scalable path forward. With Version 2 now released, CIHI will work with jurisdictions, vendors, and health system partners to support alignment and implementation.

A Common Language for Health Data
The CACDI data content standard defines a standardized set of health data that can flow between systems, health care providers and jurisdictions. It encompasses core patient demographics, clinical information, and provider and organizational data.

Co-designed with patients, clinicians, digital health partners, First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, and jurisdictional partners, the CACDI is helping to reduce fragmentation and making health data easier to integrate and share nationwide, leading to improved patient safety, reduced administrative burden and a more efficient health care system. The CACDI works in tandem with Canada Health Infoway’s CA Core+, a set of pan-Canadian Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) profiles, to facilitate the meaningful exchange of health care information across Canada’s health systems.

Why This Matters
Imagine a health system where you never have to repeat your medical history, where your prescriptions and other key data follow you automatically, and where your accurate, up-to-date health information moves with you.

Too often, important health details get lost between visits, providers or systems – leading to avoidable errors or care gaps. With accurate, up-to-date information that moves with the patient, we can help improve outcomes, safety and experiences. The CACDI will help ensure jurisdictions and health system vendors can define and collect health information in the same way and help it flow freely and securely for the benefit of all Canadians.

Interested in learning more? Visit connectedcare@cihi.ca.