Canadian Armed Forces launch electronic Mental Health Notes

News Release

November 7, 2014

OTTAWA – All Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) medical staff will shortly be able to enter mental health data directly into military electronic health records, allowing clinicians wherever CAF members are serving to view assessments and results immediately in a secure and confidential manner. This enhancement to the Canadian Forces Health Information System will directly improve the mental health care servicemen and women receive.

This digitization effort is one of a number of initiatives aimed at improving mental health services to Canadian Armed Forces members. These enhancements support clinical best practices, prioritize mental health treatment and improve research.

Quick Facts

The data entry system, called Mental Health Notes, is being introduced in phases starting this month at a cost of approximately $9.18 million.
Mental Health Notes will enhance communications between primary care clinicians and mental health professionals, strengthening collaborative care.
Mental Health Notes will also allow for diagnostic data to be collected across the CAF enabling the CAF to better understand the overall burden of mental illness.
Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the relationship between Canadian Forces Health Services and the military members it serves. There are safeguards in place to ensure only those medical professionals who require access to the personal health information of an individual will access it.

Quotes

“Our Government has made substantial and enduring commitments to the servicemen and women of the Canadian Armed Forces. Mental health care is being continuously advanced and refined based upon research, evaluation and need. The introduction of Mental Health Notes to improve communication between primary care providers and mental health professionals is a cornerstone of holistic medical care.”
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence

“The direct entry of mental health information into our electronic health records is a key component of our Mental Health Strategy to help inform our clinicians caring for military personnel anywhere in the world, enhance continuity of care, and improve our mental health surveillance and research capabilities.”
Brigadier-General Jean-Robert Bernier, Surgeon General

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Contacts

Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811

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Canadian Armed Forces launch electronic Mental Health Notes

News Release

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