Simply put, the health system in Canada is in crisis and under increasing pressure to make substantial changes to ensure its sustainability.

An aging population and a shortage of physicians, nurses and other health workers required to handle the growing demand is a big part of the problem. It is exceeded only by the current financial crunch from rising drug and delivery of health services costs, higher incidence of chronic disease, and numerous other contributing factors. At its rate of growth, Canada’s health budget, currently at 43% of total public spending is already starting to crowd-out other public services and could reach 100% within only 20 to 30 years.

Increasing demands by various stakeholder groups are also adding to the mounting pressure on the health system. Government agencies want easier access to population health data, physicians want unrestricted access to diagnostic images and radiology reports, and the general patient population is demanding shorter wait times. Consumers, who have adopted digital devices for booking flights, buying theatre tickets, checking bank balances and paying bills online are wondering why they can’t book physician appointments, renew prescriptions or pre-register for hospital visits online. And of course all stakeholders want better, safer outcomes for patients.

Helping Clients Achieve the Best Outcomes

It is generally viewed that Information & Communications Technology (ICT), which has already transformed virtually every other industry, has been highly underutilized in health. Leaders and decision-makers across the health system now accept that ICT is a critical enabler for the transformation necessary to make the system sustainable.

There is also growing acknowledgement that, in conjunction with the technology, substantial policy reform and new business models are also required to affect sustainable transformation. Although the software technology is readily available for ePrescribing, for example, the lack of policy regarding use and acceptability of electronic signatures has impeded implementation to date.

Whether it is change related to people, process, policy or technology, our Transformation Services team can help your health organization build and execute a practical and effective transformation agenda. Our team provides independent consulting and services to health authorities, governments, large integrated providers and clinicians across Canada and the United States.