Physicians are frustrated by the lack of a shared vision among health care providers, and often feel they are the last to be consulted in any discussions about improving the system. If enhancements to the health infostructure are not well orchestrated and implemented, changes could be put at risk. Physicians expressed unease about who would ensure the protection of patients' privacy if physicians no longer have custody of patient health records. All stakeholders must be involved. Innovative public-private partnerships may be one way to gain the expertise required to develop and sustain ICTs over the long term, but the risks involved must be fully explored.
Many challenges remain before achieving physicians's vision for health care.
A co-partnership between CMA and the Canadian Institute for Health Information which is currently doing work on data standards may be one solution. Participants felt that it would be easier to implement standards if they are introduced at the grassroots level. As stated previously, education of physicians in ICT use is crucial to the success of an enhanced health infostructure. The knowledge gained from current ICT-based initiatives could form the basis for a national business model for a fully integrated health infostructure. However, it is important to create a model at the regional level, first, to address any shortcomings before launching it on a national basis.