Digital Health Record launch to reduce elective care for four weeks in Quebec

Santé Québec plans on rolling out its Digital Health Record (DSN) on May 9, but there will be a transition period where some services will be reduced.

Santé Québec plans on rolling out its Digital Health Record (DSN) on May 9, but there will be a transition period where some services, like elective surgeries and procedures, will be reduced for about four weeks.

“All services will continue but reductions will be for elective activities, things planned in advance that we’ll modulate during the critical period,” said Adelaide De Melo, president of the CIUSSS du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal.

She added that there won’t be cancellations in other areas and no beds will be closed.

The health agency said two pilot projects will be implemented in Montreal North, which will include Sacre Coeur, Fleury and Jean-Talon Hospitals and in the Mauricie.

The DNS will replace paper files, forms and faxes and combine everything into one digital platform.

The goal is for patients’ health information, like test results, medication and appointments, to be available in one place.

Santé Québec said it’s also supposed to make things easier for health-care providers.

According to the agency, there will be many measures in place to mitigate security risks and to ensure data protection.

Since the botched rollout of Quebec’s automobile insurance board’s (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec - SAAQ) digital platform SAAQclic, there have been concerns that similar problems could happen with the DNS.

Some physicians have gone public with their worries, citing a lack of training and potential delays in emergency rooms as staff get used to the new system.

But Santé Québec has insisted it is ready. Health Minister Sonia Bélanger said she is monitoring the situation closely, adding that the rollout will only proceed once she’s been assured all necessary measures are in place.