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Aug 04, 2023

Quebec picks U.S. firm to handle shift to digital medical files

The new system, at an estimated cost of up to $3 billion, is to provide health professionals with better access to patient information. Author of the article: Quebec has chosen Wisconsin-based Epic

The new system, at an estimated cost of up to $3 billion, is to provide health professionals with better access to patient information.

Author of the article:

Quebec has chosen Wisconsin-based Epic Systems Corporation to build the infrastructure for its digital health records project.

The first phase of the health network’s digital transition, which aims to modernize access to patients’ data, will begin as a pilot project in two regions.

Health Minister Christian Dubé revealed the information on Wednesday during an exchange with Liberal MNA Michelle Setlakwe as part of the detailed study of Bill 15, the health-network reform legislation.

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Dubé said the contract process is “about to be finalized.” More details are to be released on Friday.

A second U.S.-owned company, Cerner Canada ULC, was also in the running. The two firms had been selected following a first round of calls for proposals, to which six potential suppliers responded.

The Health Ministry is now carrying out the necessary checks to ensure Epic will be able to deliver a technological solution that matches what it presented in its bid, Dubé said.

The pilot projects, to be held in the CIUSSS de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec and CIUSSS du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, are scheduled to start in a few weeks.

Dubé said he wants the new digital infrastructure to be operational in those health centres no later than 2025. Afterward, the digital health records are to be gradually integrated into the entire health network within five years.

Quebec estimates the cost at up to $3 billion. The plan is for the new system to allow better access to patient medical information for health professionals and greater fluidity in the sharing of data across the network.

For medical and administrative staff, the implementation of such a system should considerably reduce the volume of paperwork and lighten bureaucratic tasks.

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