Digital Health Week (November 18 – 24) is a time to reflect on the transformative role digital health plays in advancing patient care, supporting healthcare providers, and enhancing system efficiency.
The One Person One Record Clinical Information System (OPOR-CIS) is one of the many initiatives driving digital health advancements across the province. It is an example of how technology can provide the right tools at the right time to enhance healthcare processes, experiences, and outcomes.
The OPOR-CIS will transform documentation from paper to digital, with information, orders, and patient care plans entered in real-time. Care teams will have easy access to the information, including workflows, they need to make the best possible clinical decisions, and ultimately spend more time with patients and less time searching for records.
Adopting New Technologies: What is Digital Literacy?
Healthcare teams, both clinical and administrative, have been working with technology for decades. Computers, printers, virtual meetings, and all the equipment and software that supports our operations every day are illustrative examples of digital literacy in various locations across our healthcare environment.
Digital health literacy is the ability to seek, understand, and use digital tools, resources, and technologies to make informed decisions about health and care. It encompasses skills such as navigating patient portals and health apps, understanding and managing electronic health records, leveraging online resources to access trusted health information, and ensuring data security and privacy while engaging with digital health systems.
By increasing digital health literacy, we empower individuals – both patient and provider – to confidently navigate the digital healthcare landscape, fostering greater engagement, improved outcomes, and readiness for innovation.
The OPOR-CIS will be the foundational electronic source of health information across the province. In current practice, many physicians, providers, clinicians, and healthcare employees already use electronic sources of information.
However, despite having digital skills using their personal technology, some people will not have experience transferring their familiarity with technology to their professional and clinical settings. OPOR is committed to meeting people where they are with a variety of supports, including education and learning opportunities, and At The Elbow team members onsite during Go-Lives. Learn more about digital literacy, and the role it plays in our OPOR-CIS readiness work, in a recent OPOR Monthly Update.
Finally, we want to acknowledge and congratulate all teams across Nova Scotia working in the digital space. Your dedication and hard work are driving significant change and laying the foundation for a stronger, more connected healthcare system. Your accomplishments are truly commendable, and we thank you for your contributions.
As we celebrate Digital Health Week, let’s take a moment to recognize the remarkable efforts being made across the province. Together, we are shaping a future-ready healthcare system that supports enhanced outcomes and a connected care experience for everyone. Happy Digital Health Week from OPOR!
