More 1,000 Sask. residents now have online access to health records

A pilot program launched in January has now resulted in more than 1,000 Saskatchewan residents having access to their medical records online.

The program is a collaboration between Telus Health, eHealth Saskatchewan, and Get Real Health. It was done over a six month period.

According to Telus Health, the pilot project uses personal patient records with Saskatchewan's existing eHealth system.

The Citizen Health Information Portal gives people who signed up for the project access to personal lab results, immunization history, hospital visits, and an overall view of their health records.

It also allows participants to access and update their own medical files, which includes information such as emergency contacts and allergy information.

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The system can also provide online reminders to patients to take their medication.

While having personal health records online may not be welcomed by all, eHealth Saskatchewan said in a news release it will consider expanding the "Personal Health Record solution" to all residentsin the province.

In January, eHealth Saskatchewan CEO Susan Antosh said it's about increasing access and convenience for those who use the health care system a lot, such as parents of young children, people with chronic diseases and frequent travellers.

"It's a kind of product that might actually help them manage their care and get information flowing more easily," Antosh said at the time.

According to Telus Health, "engaged patients who actively manage their own health have better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and ultimately less impact on the healthcare system."

Telus Health is Canada's largest health IT company.

The other partner involved with eHealthSaskatchewan, which is a provincial Crown corporation, isGet Real Health. On its website, the United States-based organization says itunites "the disconnected worlds of digital personal health and traditional medical records".