eHealthFaster, safer, better healthcareB.C.’s Health System Needs eHealthWe need eHealth to face a number of significant challenges. The pressures on our health system are intense, and will only increase in the future. Demographics There is a growing prevalence in our population of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Our population is growing – by just under 50,000 persons per year – and is expected to reach almost 4.5 million by 2010. Between 2005 and 2015 our over 65 population will grow by 24.4 per cent, from 13.9 per cent to 17.3 per cent. The median age in British Columbia is expected to reach 42 years by 2015 from 39.6 years in 2005. Life expectancy is increasing; in 2005, the median age at death was 79 years and by 2015, it is expected to be more than 81 years. At the same time, our health care workforce is aging. Maintaining an adequate supply and mix of health professionals and workers will be an ongoing challenge. Expectations Our hospitals and health professionals face a continuous need to update or expand health facilities, technology and equipment; and new diseases (such as SARS), tests, drugs and treatments continue to emerge. An 80 year old today is twice as likely to have a knee replacement, coronary bypass, or cataract surgery as 15 years ago, and eight times as likely to have an angioplasty procedure. Costs All these factors create greater demands on and costs to our health system. Moving health information online will reduce delays, errors, test duplication and financial and environmental costs associated with the physical transportation of records. eHealth will enable “green” efficiencies that will help sustain B.C.’s health system into the future.
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