This is not a paid political advertisement. It has not been authorized by anybody. But it is relevant to the federal election.
Bemoaning the general lack of reference to health care in the campaigning so far, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) recently published an article – Election 2015: Health Issues Primer – about five things that should be on the federal election campaign agenda – but aren’t.
I am pleased to report that telemedicine – and by that, I mean OTN! – is already having an impact on three of the five healthcare issues.
Mental Health
The Mood Disorders Society of Canada says 91 per cent of respondents in a recent poll identify increased access to mental health care professionals as a top priority. Through OTN videoconferencing, thousands of Ontarians get regular access to mental health and addictions professionals. More, with funding from Canada Health Infoway and working with partners Ontario Shores and Lakeridge Health, OTN is about to pilot a social media-based online early intervention service for people 16 and older who suffer from mental health problems. Members come together online anonymously to share feelings, join guided online courses and assess themselves to set goals and track progress. The online interactions are monitored by an automated system that issues alerts if ‘danger words’ are used and by clinicians trained in how to intervene.
Aboriginal Health
First Nations adults are more than twice as likely as other Canadians to die from avoidable causes. As it says on our OTN website, while the majority of the province can rapidly access primary care, specialists, or urgent care, many First Nations are living on-reserve in remote communities, including fly-in communities, and do not always have direct access to care.
OTN has formed positive relationships with First Nations communities and partner organizations, such as KOeHealth Telemedicine Services and the Chiefs of Ontario. OTN works with communities and partner organizations to identify how Telemedicine can help connect them to health care partners. Telemedicine is utilized in both on-reserve communities as well as aboriginal points of care.
Seniors Care
By 2036, people over the age of 65 will make up a quarter of Canada’s population, up from 14 per cent today, and account for 62 per cent of health costs. OTN Telehomecare, of course, has been addressing the issues of chronic disease, self-management and quality of life – aging safely in place – for several years. The program is now being delivered by partners in 10 LHINs with new programs being planned in most of the rest of the province.
Makes me think telemedicine ought to be on everyone’s election agenda.
