Authors' objectives:

The first objective of this review was to survey emergency department (ED) directors, and identify the common ED information systems (EDIS) being used in Canada. The second objective was to survey EDIS vendors, and determine the options available to Canadian EDs, and the level of EDIS use. The third bjective was to survey provincial ministries of health and national health organizations, and determine the accessibility of provincial data on ED visits. The final objective was to identify the data elements and methods of EDIS data collection at the national level.

Authors' results and conclusions: Survey of ED Directors: Of the 243 directors contacted, 158 completed the survey (65% response rate). Overall, 39% of all ED directors reported using an electronic EDIS; no vendor has a monopoly in Canada. Triage is performed in nearly all responding EDs; electronic triage is available in 19% of these. Survey of EDIS Vendors: All 11 EDIS vendors completed the survey (100%). Most provide a similar package of basic EDIS options: 100%, tracking and mapping functions; 91%, electronic triage. More advanced informatics (e.g., electronic charts, discharge information, order entry) are less commonly available as part of the standard software package, or are available only as add-on features. Survey of National, Provincial, Territorial ED Data: All 13 provincial, territorial, and federal government representatives completed the survey (100%). Nine provinces and territories (69%) collect ED data, but the source of the information varies. Ontario, Quebec, and Nunavut produce an annual ED report. Five provinces and territories (38%) collect triage data. Alberta, Yukon Territory, and Ontario (23%) have a comprehensive, jurisdiction-wide, population-based ED database. Two jurisdictions (Ontario, and Yukon Territory) contribute these comprehensive data to a national database. Changes in ED data collection are expected in six provinces and territories (46%) within the next two years.

Authors' recommendations: The collection of sensible, comprehensive, reliable, and valid data by local hospitals and provincial repositories is required to better understand the problem of ED use and overcrowding in Canada. A national repository of data, with contributions from each province and territory, would be of value to policy makers, administrators, staff, and patients. The use of uniform data definitions and collection methods may also help with intra- and inter-institutional comparisons, and with the design and implementation of interventions aimed at reducing overcrowding in EDs across Canada.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.cadth.ca/

Year Published: 2006

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)