The provincial health authority says it’s aware of some patients receiving critical news like cancer results before medical professionals are able to explain the diagnosis.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association first raised the issue, expressing concern about additional stress and anxiety for patients who may not be able to see a doctor immediately after receiving the news.
Patients connected to the MyChart portal can see and, in some cases, be notified when results are available or sent to clinics for further assessment.
Medical Oncologist Joy Greenland (left) , Interim NLHS CEO Ron Johnson (centre) and Chief of Staff with NLHS, Gina Bugden (right)
NLHS Interim CEO Ron Johnson says those notifications have been in place for quite some time.
“This is optional. Patients choose to download the app. And there are mechanisms, and again, this is an enhancement. Before we put this in, this is back a number of years ago, this was in prior to CorCare,” he told reporters.
“There were multiple consultations with providers and patients, and patients want this in general. And you realize that by giving patients this type of information, they can better control their own health care. They can prevent things from falling through the cracks.”
