ARCHIVED - Canada Health Infostructure Partnerships Program (2000-2002)

The Canada Health Infostructure Partnerships Program (CHIPP) is a two-year, $80 million, shared-cost incentive program, aimed at supporting collaboration, innovation, and renewal in health care delivery through the use of information and communication technologies. CHIPP will invest in model implementation projects in two strategic areas: telehealth and electronic health records model projects. The Program will help improve accessibility and quality of care for all Canadians while enhancing the efficiency and long term viability of the health system.

Telehealth Projects

Projects funded through CHIPP advance the development of innovative solutions to health care delivery that affect all Canadians. Telehealth projects, for example, will bring the expertise of urban-based specialists to patients living in rural and remote communities, including First Nations. By using technology to shrink Canada's vast geography, telehealth can improve access to health services for all Canadians, no matter where they live.

For example:

1. Remote screening for diabetic complications for First Nations living on reserve in Alberta
2. Telemedicine services in over 30 disciplines for 47 Northern Ontario communities
3. Access to psychiatric care using video-conferencing technology for rural and remote communities in Ontario and British Columbia

Electronic Health Record Projects

The program also supports the creation of electronic health records systems. Patients can ensure that authorized health professionals and institutions can access their health files, as quickly and efficiently as possible, to assist in diagnosis and treatment. Properly designed to safeguard personal privacy, such systems could make it easier and faster for health practitioners to give the best possible treatment and advice, based on complete patient information.

For example:

1. The development of a comprehensive, standards-based electronic health records system to support the information management needs of mental health service providers in British Columbia
2. The creation of a comprehensive health care provider registry that will provide a unique identifier to each provider to ensure the protection of personal information.