The computerization of Montreal’s three million medical records will start this spring, while the transition to e-records is slated to be over by 2015, some are warning about privacy and language concerns.

(picture CTV)

CTV – Despite the concerns, having timely access to facts and figures is the key to efficient healthcare says Benjamin Burko, a physician who is embracing the new e-record scheme.

“Comprehensive information is the best way I have to take care of my patients, so philosophically I think it’s an excellent idea,” said Burko, a paediatrician in Dollard-des-Ormeaux.

With medical mistakes all too common, the records could help reduce the number of misdiagnoses or incorrect information given.

“It would be nice to have when someone comes in and has no clue what they are on,” said nurse Laura Garcia-Schlachta.

A pamphlet will soon be sent to every resident in Montreal to tell them about the upcoming changes. However the documentation will only be in French.

Proponents like Garcia-Schlachta are concerned about the privacy implications of a system that will put people’s most precious information online.

“We have to be concerned about everything, but when you look at it, our motor vehicle records and our banking records, all of that is stored on a server somewhere,” said Elias Makos, CTV New’s information expert. “So when it comes to healthcare and medicine, it’s probably time that we advance the healthcare system.”

The health ministry says there are safeguards, among them, only certain professionals will be authorized to access the information, the system will also lock them out after a short time and everyone who accesses your records will leave an electronic fingerprint behind. (Read more)