Health information management workforce transformation: new roles, new skills and experiences in Canada

Abstract

Health care in Canada is undergoing significant transformation and change at regional, provincial, and national levels to better utilize scarce health resources to provide safe, high-quality care at lower cost. The electronic health record (EHR) is being introduced as an innovation and enabler in achieving reduced health care costs and improved patient care. As Canadian health settings move from paper to electronic health records, the role of health information management (HIM) professionals needs to correspondingly change to meet the demands of an increasingly digital workplace. This article briefly reviews findings and recommendations from various HIM projects and outlines the evolving roles and competencies of certified HIM professionals.