Strategic Innovation in Healthcare: Improving Privacy, Efficiency, and Quality of Care, with Human-centered Design Methodologies and Technology

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine a province-wide innovative solution that brings the Personal Health Record and Electronic Health Record into common use, through a privacy-focused, de-centralized public database. By creating a digital, privacy-focused solution that allows patients to organize and view their health records, we aim to empower patients and health-care workers with equitable access to their own health information. Since there is currently no access for patients in Ontario to view their Electronic Health Record, the aim of this body of work is to develop a human-centered solution that would create this access for patients and healthcare workers. Methods: Literature review through secondary research, interviews with Subject Matter Experts, Covid-19 compliant virtual and phone interviews with healthcare workers and residents of Ontario holding a valid OHIP card. Usability testing on wireframe prototypes. Results: ON[record], a central access system with two components. Healthcare workers and admin access the provincial repository of EHealth Ontario data (and other databases) using their ONEID account. Patients can view their records and OHIP information using both a web application and mobile application, the first of its kind. Conclusion: Based on the data and examination, it is clear that patients need and would use access to their own personal health records. As we shift to a Web3 world, patients are being left behind, and admins are struggling with a fragmented digital system that does not communicate properly internally. The implications of this research could mean the first step into a more connected, privacy-oriented and decentralized approach to individuals’ health data. Keywords: healthcare, innovation, Electronic Health Record, Electronic Medical Record, decentralization, information technology, access, human-centered design, privacy, quality of care