Online medical app launched in Nova Scotia

Routine test results and other medical information are now accessible to patients and doctors on their smartphones after the launch of the MyHealthNS online tool.

The system that allows patients to receive, view and manage personal health information electronically is available to users of the QEII Health Sciences Centre, the IWK Health Centre or other facilities in the Halifax, Eastern Shore and West Hants areas.

The system will be expanded to all other parts of the province by early 2017.

“This is about doing things differently. It’s about changing the way we deliver care to give Nova Scotians better access to health care,” said Premier Stephen McNeil, in a press release. “With MyHealthNS we are using modern technology to improve access to doctors and access to care. It’s a winwin for everyone.”

The initiative has a $13.3 million implementation cost over a three year period, shared by the provincial ($3.3 million) and federal ($10 million) governments.

“This is not only a step forward in modernizing the health-care system, but it also empowers Canadians by allowing them to access their own patient information as they navigate it,” said Jane Philpott, the federal Minister of Health, in a press release.

“Our government is pleased to support this work through investments in Canada Health Infoway.”

Nova Scotians who sign up can create their own secure online health record and begin receiving and storing test results and specialist reports electronically.

Patients can also enter their own personal health information or that of a dependent, to log blood sugar readings, blood pressure, weight, immunizations, allergies and medications.

More than 30 family doctors and 6,000 patients have been using and evaluating the program during the three-year pilot project.