Ontario Peer to Peer NetworkWhat is the Peer-to-Peer Network?The Ontario Peer-to-Peer Network connects physicians with their colleagues to support them in the adoption of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). The network is composed of Peer Leaders who are physicians experienced in using electronic medical records to improve practice efficiency and patient care. Peer Leaders are mentors who support their physician colleagues in selecting and implementing an EMR system.The… Show more Ontario Peer to Peer NetworkWhat is the Peer-to-Peer Network?The Ontario Peer-to-Peer Network connects physicians with their colleagues to support them in the adoption of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). The network is composed of Peer Leaders who are physicians experienced in using electronic medical records to improve practice efficiency and patient care. Peer Leaders are mentors who support their physician colleagues in selecting and implementing an EMR system.The Peer-to-Peer Network was established by Canada Health Infoway (Infoway), the e-Health Program of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and OntarioMD. The network is funded by Infoway.The Peer-to-Peer Network is part of the OntarioMD Transition Support Program. The goal of the Peer-to-Peer Network is to encourage EMR adoption.Who can access the Peer-to-Peer Network?Ontario physicians (general practitioners and specialists) who are contemplating the use of an electronic medical record, are adopting or implementing an EMR or who want to enhance the effectiveness of their EMR.What is the Peer Leader’s role? To provide hands-on support to physicians who are interested in using an electronic medical record in their practice. To provide assistance on an individual basis by demonstrating technology in the practice setting. This includes addressing barriers, providing support as healthcare staff move from paper to electronic files and by linking the physician to relevant materials To provide ongoing support and mentoring to physician colleagues on an as-required basis To provide both on-site and remote support To lead local events to promote or increase awareness of Peer Leaders To assist designated physicians with goal and priority setting, practical tips for implementing changes, vendor selection and determining whether the changes have achieved the desired results To document key lessons learned for the Regional Peer-to-Peer Network and the Pan-Canadian Network. Show less

The objective of the program is to produce Masters level graduates with high quality training in the broad interdisciplinary area that spans eHealth. The program of study emphasizes industry relevant academic research and development.The MSc eHealth degree is truly interdisciplinary and based on a partnership of the Faculties of Health Sciences (Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department), Engineering (Computing and Software Department) and Business (Information Systems area in… Show more The objective of the program is to produce Masters level graduates with high quality training in the broad interdisciplinary area that spans eHealth. The program of study emphasizes industry relevant academic research and development.The MSc eHealth degree is truly interdisciplinary and based on a partnership of the Faculties of Health Sciences (Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department), Engineering (Computing and Software Department) and Business (Information Systems area in the DeGroote School of Business).Our students come from a wide variety of background in these fields, with common interests in information technology to support health services delivery and research.Students receive extensive training, and research and internship experience that will provide them with unique expertise in enabling technologies that will contribute to advances in the healthcare system, which faces a critical time in Canada. A seminar series in eHealth is another key aspect of the program, involving visiting speakers from academia and industry, McMaster faculty and researchers and the students themselves.The MSc in eHealth degree may be earned either through a full -time thesis or course-project option. Part-time study is available only through the course-project option.Many of the graduates of the program will be employed by institutions, governments, and businesses that are stakeholders in the health services industry and related research fields. Others will be able to pursue PhD degrees offered by the Departments and Areas involved in the MSc program, or at other universities. Show less

Health Informatics Consultant, Quality Improvement and Decision Support

Family Health Teams are an important part of changing both the health care system and the way people think about health care. Family Health Teams will focus more on preventing illness and promoting health. They will look at the best ways to manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes and depression. Family Health Teams will provide care that is more accessible and comprehensive. They will give patients the opportunity to be more involved in making decisions about their own health.Since April,… Show more Family Health Teams are an important part of changing both the health care system and the way people think about health care. Family Health Teams will focus more on preventing illness and promoting health. They will look at the best ways to manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes and depression. Family Health Teams will provide care that is more accessible and comprehensive. They will give patients the opportunity to be more involved in making decisions about their own health.Since April, 2005, the Ontario government has approved 150 Family Health Teams across the province. The Hamilton Family Health Team is the largest, serving over 300,000 people and was built on the “platform” of the H-W HSO Mental Health and Nutrition Programme. Show less