Understanding Health Information Networks in Canada

Abstract

Findings from a preliminary survey of health information networks (HINs) established in various parts of Canada lead us to suggest that buy-in and participation in development of the alliance by physicians and other providers is critical. Also, most healthcare providers are not aware of the difficulties involved in establishing connectivity in the networks we examined. Nor should they be, perhaps. We found that networks that pursued a comprehensive set of applications closely linked to providing better care for patients were more likely to be considered successful by partner organizations and providers. Alliance partners who had a history of interaction prior to the formal establishment of the health information network in question seemed to get to application development quicker than when the alliance was created only because a network was needed. Many alliances reported the positive effect that external players had in terms of helping alliance partners overcome differences, sustain momentum, and provide funds and expertise as needed.