From Burnaby to Halifax, Canadians share stories about health IT's impact

ImagineNation Impact Challenge illustrates how digital health advances are benefitting Canadians

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - When Allison McArthur's six-year-old daughter Ashlynn was diagnosed with autism in 2007, she didn't realize the role digital health would play in offering respite and hope as they embarked on a new path filled with daily challenges.

"Telehealth enables Ashlynn to instantly meet with highly specialized autism professionals located far away.  And apps help her overcome some of the challenges autism brings," said McArthur.  "I don't feel alone thanks to an online community of parents of children with autism.  And to top it off, when there aren't enough hours in the day, I can manage Ashlynn's medical appointments at the click of a button."

Whether affected by illness or finding new ways to manage their health given busy lives or communication challenges, Canadians like Allison have shared how digital health has impacted their journeys through the ImagineNation Impact Challenge.

"Independent studies have shown time and again that digital health investments help to improve patient safety, the patient experience and health system efficiency, we wanted to learn more about the impact these advances have had on the lives of Canadians and their loved ones," said Jennifer Zelmer, Executive Vice-President, Canada Health Infoway.

Launched on May 27, 2013, the Challenge sought entries showcasing the impact of digital health.  Hundreds of Canadians participated by entering a story, voting on their favourite submissions or serving as a judge.

A new Impact Challenge, which will launch this fall, will seek entries from teams of health professionals who connect with their patients or colleagues electronically to improve care.

Below is a list of patient impact award recipients as selected by the ImagineNation Impact Challenge judges, along with a link to their story

Trevor Cardozo
Brampton, ON

Allison McArthur
Barrie, ON

Tracie Stinson
Burnaby, BC

Kathryn Woodcock
Toronto, ON

Sara Nita
Morewood, ON

Sheilagh Hagens
Hamilton, ON

Kevin Low
Coquitlam, BC

Alexandra Thompson
Halifax, NS

Kathy Bezies
Toronto, ON

Cheryl-Anne Simoneau
Beaconsfield, QC

About Canada Health Infoway
Canada Health Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. Infoway jointly invests with every province and territory to accelerate the development and adoption of information and communications technology projects in Canada. Fully respecting patient confidentiality, these secure systems will provide clinicians and patients with the information they need to better support safe care decisions and manage their own health. Accessing this vital information quickly will help foster a more modern and sustainable health care system for all Canadians.

SOURCE: Canada Health Infoway