E-health lacks structure

It is my understanding that electronic medical records have been widely and successfully implemented in Newfoundland and Labrador. This was achieved by bringing hospitals and laboratories on board first, creating a stable structure, before engaging care providers. I envision a strong stable infrastructure, like the trunk of a tree. In Ontario, the implementation of electronic records has relied on the goodwill and financial resources of individual practitioners, especially “early adopters” who adopt e-records without a solid infrastructure in place. Funding is sporadic and inadequate. Not surprisingly, uptake is low. Without a strong central structure, the branches cannot support the weight of their fruit. As a family physician practising in Ontario, I am reluctant to dangle from the branches. I am even more reluctant to commit my staff and my patients to a process which historically creates more problems than it solves.