Electronic Access to and Exchange of Patient Information Among Physicians Practising in Canada

Physicians require timely access to patient information to provide effective care. However, in Canada, most of this information is siloed in unconnected systems, limiting access at the point of care. This paper analyzes the current state of electronic access to and exchange of patient information among Canadian physicians, using data from the 2024 Infoway-Canadian Medical Association survey of physicians. Using descriptive analysis, the paper reveals an imbalance between the growing adoption of digital health solutions (notably electronic medical records and electronic health records) and advancements in interoperability. To achieve a more connected digital health ecosystem, the paper calls for policy efforts, data-sharing frameworks and incentive strategies.