The Decibel
Canada’s fragmented medical records system
Apr 15, 2025
Chris Hannay, a staff reporter at the Globe and Mail, sheds light on the chaos of Canada’s medical record system. He discusses the struggles patients face when accessing their own data due to disconnected systems. The podcast highlights emotional stories, like a woman’s battle for her late husband’s records, revealing the inefficiencies at play. Hannay also contrasts Canada's challenges with international models, exploring how interconnected data systems could innovate healthcare for improved patient outcomes and public health research.
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Quick takeaways
- Patients in Canada face significant challenges accessing their medical records due to a fragmented and disjointed system across different provinces.
- Healthcare providers experience inefficiencies and increased risks of medical errors because of the lack of interoperability in Canada's medical records management.
Deep dives
Accessing Medical Records is Challenging
Canadians often face significant difficulties when trying to access their medical records, leading to frustration and confusion. A particular case highlighted involved a woman who, after her husband's cancer diagnosis, had to embark on a two-year journey to retrieve vital information, demonstrating the inherent challenges in the system. This experience reflects a broader pattern, where individuals in some provinces are even directed to file access requests just to obtain their own medical histories. The inconsistency across various regions means that while some healthcare facilities provide straightforward access, others remain mired in outdated processes.
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