COAST SALISH TERRITORY (Vancouver, BC) - The First Nations Panorama Implementation Project (FNPIP) team in BC has won a distinguished national eHealth award for their ground-breaking work creating new pathways to technology and access to better health services for First Nations in the province. The Innovation in Adoption of Health Informatics award was given to the FNPIP team at the 2014 COACH eHealth Conference Informatics Awards Gala. In the area of eHealth connectivity, capacity, and data integration for First Nations in BC, FNPIP has advanced partnerships between First Nations Health Service Organizations, provincial health authorities, and provincial and federal governments, eliminating barriers to vital public health and surveillance information.

BC First Nations Health Service Organizations involved in Panorama are the first in Canada to access First Nations-specific reporting software, and provincially-aligned data networks that offer significant time-savings for health staff, eliminating barriers to care. Prior to the Panorama implementation, patients faced treatment delays while clinicians waited for test results and data to arrive. Health care providers using Panorama now have access and use of the right client information when they need it, creating a far more effective circle-of-care model.

The FNPIP team has led Panorama innovation across the country compiling best practices, lessons learned, and a toolkit framework they are eager to share with other First Nations across Canada. When working with First Nations, one size fits all does not cut it. To drive authentic adoption, a philosophy of inclusion, flexibility, mutual learning, continuous improvement, and reciprocal value has contributed to care providers having access to provincial health systems and data that enhances health care services, provider effectiveness and continuity of care. Panorama now offers an effective mechanism for First Nations to govern their own public health data within the provincial system, while cutting red tape for clients. This truly transformational project has aligned several First Nations, federal, provincial, and health partners, facilitating new relationships and a new paradigm that ultimately has led to better quality care for BC First Nations within these communities, and many more on the way.

“Panorama will allow health professionals in BC and across the country to better detect early signs of outbreaks by enabling sharing vital information between different public health related services providers. The First Nations Health Authority is doing great work moving forward with bridging the gaps in service delivery so that all public health professionals – regardless of who they serve – get access to the same information at the same time.”

“The Panorama project supports BC First Nations to gain access to health information their service providers need, providing efficient and secure access to patient information at the point of care, increased efficiencies, and enhanced cross-sectorial partnerships. Through this project the First Nations Health Authority has learned as much as we have shared about how to successfully implement a project of this scale through true partnerships with BC First Nations. We look forward to extending and expanding this project in the years to come.”

“Congratulations to the First Nations Panorama Implementation Project team that has earned the 2014 CHIA award. The team’s commitment to Panorama will most certainly result in improved quality of care for First Nations in BC.” 

“I can attest to the high quality of work all the members of this team have contributed in the overall success of the project. Panorama has given First Nations nurses access to health information, which at times has been difficult to attain, thereby improving the quality of care we can provide our clients. They have positively impacted the health care of many First Nations people. I believe that the First Nations Panorama Implementation team truly represents what this award is meant to acknowledge: innovation, commitment, and dedication in implementing a health information system that improves health care delivery.”

“The FNPIP project has made it possible for the first time for First Nations clinicians to have access to timely public health information for their clients as well as important surveillance information that allows assessment and protection of the health of First Nations peoples. This unique project is a first of its kind in Canada and the FNPIP was instrumental in its development and implementation in a complex environment. I strongly support them for this award.”

First Nations Health Authority: www.fnha.ca

BC Ministry of Health: www.gov.bc.ca/health

Trevor Kehoe

Communications Officer and Media Relations

First Nations Health Authority

604-831-4898

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