Sunnybrook and Canada Health Infoway Partner to Improve Patient Experience for Family Practice Patients Using Sunnybrook's Personal Health Record, Mychart(TM)

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 21, 2013) - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre's personal health record, MyChart™, now has even more to offer the Hospital's Family Practice patients and physicians. With new software features Family Practice patients can now schedule appointments online and complete online consultation questionnaires directly with the clinic. These changes have been developed as part of Canada Health Infoway's Consumer Health Solutions program.

"We are not only providing patients with a more complete view of their health record, but also improved access to their physician's office. We are also decreasing the administrative workload for clinicians by shortening the time it takes for a patient to book an appointment and complete an assessment," says Sarina Cheng, Director of Information and Telecommunication Services & eHealth Strategies, at Sunnybrook. "This approach to healthcare encourages patients to take an active part in their wellness, which ultimately benefits the whole care team and family."

MyChart™ health information comes directly from Sunnybrook's electronic patient record system. It can be used by the Hospital's patients to monitor care while traveling, set up family records, manage a family member's health information and care plan, keep care providers up to date, set up emergency information, and access care in the community.

"Canadians have told us they want access to tools that allow them to manage their care more efficiently," said Richard Alvarez, President and CEO, Canada Health Infoway. "Infoway's investment in new MyChart™ features, such as online appointment booking and consultations, illustrates how health IT is improving the patient experience."

Sunnybrook's Family Practice has over 8,800 patients, many of whom have benefited from the use of MyChart™ since its launch over six years ago.

About Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is inventing the future of health care for the 1.2 million patients the hospital cares for each year through the dedication of its more than 10,000 staff and volunteers. An internationally recognized leader in research and education and a full affiliation with the University of Toronto distinguishes Sunnybrook as one of Canada's premier academic health sciences centres. Sunnybrook specializes in caring for high-risk pregnancies, critically-ill newborns and adults, offering specialized rehabilitation and treating and preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological and psychiatric disorders, orthopaedic and arthritic conditions and traumatic injuries. The Hospital also has a unique and national leading program for the care of Canada's war veterans. For more information about how Sunnybrook is inventing the future of health care please visit us online at www.sunnybrook.ca.

About Canada Health Infoway

Canada Health Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. Infoway jointly invests with every province and territory to accelerate the development and adoption of information and communications technology projects in Canada. Fully respecting patient confidentiality, these secure systems will provide clinicians and patients with the information they need to better support safe care decisions and manage their own health. Accessing this vital information quickly will help foster a more modern and sustainable health care system for all Canadians.