Challenges
An integrated, harmonized system of e-communication and infrastructure between public health and primary care is generally not available yet at the provincial level in most provinces/territories.
In addition, there is a challenge in finding common ground with an interoperable system between two different sectors: Public health collects information on an aggregate or population scale and primary care collects information on an individual scale.
There needs to be a balance between sharing of information and protecting matters of privacy. Firewalls can help to protect client’s confidentiality but they can also be a barrier to information sharing. It is critical to conduct a privacy impact assessment when government or agencies plan to share information. A key resource to guide this process can be found at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s website: www.priv.gc.ca/index_e.asp
We need formal systems leaders as collaborative champions to move us further toward a harmonized, integrated communication system and infrastructure.
