Table 1.

Summary of actions to address knowledge and research gaps

Gap in knowledge and research	Summary of action points
1. Value of EMRs	Explore connection between maturity of use and accrued value Understand trade-off: effort of adoption versus value Create a value map/matrix (stakeholders on one axis, value EMR brings on other axis)
2. EMR implementation and adoptior	Supply basic and advanced training, support and education for users Understand value of implementation and adoption Identify non-adopters - identify barriers to adoption and how to overcome them Identify best practices of advanced users - success and supports, conduct economic analysis Synthesize existing data and research reports
3. Data entry and extraction procedures	Create unified standards and capabilities across EMRs Deliver incentives for data quality Use improved data search technology Test data entry interventions Understand best practices leading to high optimization and data entry
4. Data sharing	Define standardized data sets and determine sharing rules Work towards interprovincial consistency Understand public attitudes
5. Overarching framework for interoperability	Implement overarching framework across Canada Create a communication strategy for framework
6. Define data elements	Expand data collected in EMR, e.g., quality of life Include data elements from different sources, e.g., patients Design a data completeness score function
7. Develop ideal EMR desigr	Design needs to match PHC context Include multiple disciplines Research - inform existing and new EMR designs

EMR = electronic medical record; PHC = primary healthcare research.