Building a More Connected Health System
Our Ontario Health Team is committed to making care more connected, efficient, and patient-centered. We’re introducing innovative digital health solutions to support both providers and patients. Together, these tools help streamline workflows, improve access, and enhance the care experience for everyone in our community.
AI Scribe Pilot Project: Innovation in Action
As part of our ongoing commitment to advancing innovation in healthcare, in March we launched a pilot project to explore the impact of AI-powered documentation tools in primary care. Through this initiative, 88 primary care clinicians received access to AI Scribe, a tool designed to streamline clinical documentation and enhance workflow efficiency.
The pilot aims to evaluate adoption, integration, and time-saving benefits across participating practices. The following graphs illustrate key outcomes from the project.
AI Scribe Adoption & Time Saved
This graph below shows the month-over-month increase in registered users, alongside the estimated hours saved through reduced documentation time. The upward trend highlights growing engagement and the tangible time benefits clinicians are experiencing.
Clinical Interactions Documented
This graphs track the cumulative number of clinical interactions documented using AI Scribe since the start of the pilot. It reflects the tool’s deepening integration into daily workflows and its expanding role in supporting patient care.
Electronic Consult (eConsult)
Electronic Consultation (eConsult) enables Primary Care Physicians and Nurse Practitioners to securely seek specialist advice electronically. Instead of sending a full referral, primary care clinicians can pose clinical questions and receive guidance directly from specialists, on average within a single day. This approach reduces unnecessary in-person specialist visits, supports timely decision-making, and enhances collaboration between providers—ultimately improving patient care and system efficiency. This tool is particularly useful in the North region where great geographical distances may prevent easy access to specialist care for many patients.
Cochrane Specific Data
- Across the Cochrane and Timiskaming OHTs, 66 Primary Care Clinicians are eConsult users
- Across the NE Region, eConsult provided Primary Care Providers with access to specialists spanning 37+ specialities
Testimonials, Messages of Support
I love eConsult – so many questions in my day are too big to leave, too complicated to read about, but too small to require my patients to drive 500km to the nearest specialist. Also eConsult allows for specialist input now, not 10 months from now.
– Sioux Lookout Family Physician
Electronic Referral (eReferral)
Electronic Referral (eReferral) allows healthcare providers to send and receive referrals securely and electronically, eliminating the need for faxed or paper-based referrals. eReferral solutions integrate with Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and offer enhanced tracking, transparency, and communication across the referral process—supporting timely access to care and improved coordination between providers.
Cochrane Specific Data
- Across the Cochrane and Timiskaming OHTs, 145 Primary Care Clinicians have adopted eReferral in their practice
- 27K + patients have been referred into services and programs within Cochrane and Timiskaming receivers
- 57K + referrals have been received in the Cochrane and Timiskaming regions combined
Testimonials, Messages of Support
Of all the referral systems we already have in place, this is the best by a mile.
– Primary Care Clinician
Very efficient way to get notice of the referral and the subsequent appointment booking.
– Patient North Region
Online Appointment Booking (OAB)
Online appointment booking allows patients to book appointments directly into a healthcare providers schedule online. It is a user-friendly system that integrates with Electronic Medical Records and provides a secure and convenient way for patients to manage their appointments.
Cochrane Specific Data
- In January 2025, In Cochrane District OHT, there are 74 funded OAB licenses in use
- Of those leveraging a license, 3% of recorded appointments were booked online
- 38,357 patients have access to book an appointment online
- 77% of patients reported using online appointment booking was better than calling to book an appointment
- 82% feel confident in continuing to use OAB as a service offering to patients
Testimonials, Messages of Support
As part of the funded initiative, surveys were provided to collect feedback from clinicians and patients on their experiences using Online Appointment Booking. From those surveys, we learned:
91% of patient respondents indicated that booking their appointment online was easy.
77% of patient respondents indicated that using the online booking system was better than having to call to book an appointment.
83% of patient respondents indicated that they would recommend booking an appointment online to friends and family.
43% of staff respondents indicated that patients using OAB decreased the time they spend on the phone.
81% of staff respondents indicated that patients using OAB has not interrupted their clinic workflows.
63% of staff respondents indicated that patients using OAB facilitates and supports effective patient communications.
