title: Capturing pan-Canadian Primary Health Care indicator data using multiple approaches for data collection.
abstract: The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), in collaboration with diverse stakeholders, led the development of pan-Canadian indicators to measure primary health care. In 2006, CIHI released a set of 105 pan-Canadian Primary Health Care (PHC) indicators that were developed with the assistance of national, provincial and territorial representatives, clinicians and researchers. Additionally, data gaps were identified in a series of reports. In 2006 and 2007, CIHI assessed options for closing the data gaps so that the indicators could be measured and reported. CIHI then began a program to build the data infrastructure needed for the PHC indicators. The program included the development of content standards for electronic medical records, a prototype of a voluntary reporting system, enhancements to surveys, and the development of reports. In 2006, fewer than 10% of the 105 indicators could be calculated with existing data sources. Now, four projects have begun and over 50% of the indicators are being captured. Important relationships have been established with key collaborators. These relationships will lead to the development of a reporting system prototype and to the refinement of PHC indicators and electronic medical record (EMR) content standards. The project for pan-Canadian PHC indicators has encouraged consultation and synergy. It has motivated CIHI to establish an information program to fill data gaps and to make PHC indicators available.
authors.affiliation: Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canada.
authors.forename: Vicky
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sullivan-Taylor
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Webster
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Macphail
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D009313:National Health Programs; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*