May 15, 2008

Ontario nurses will be soon be able to instantly access drug databases, diagnostic materials and medical dictionaries – all at their patient’s bedside – delivering faster and more effective care.

It’s part of a new plan to deliver hand-held computer devices known as PDAs to up to 2,000 front-line nurses in Ontario. This is the first provincial government funded nursing initiative of its kind in Canada.

Ontario is investing in Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) for the nurses of Joseph Brant Hosptial.

PDAs provide nurses with instant access to a range of clinical tools and programs including databases and diagnostic information. This helps nurses respond to the health care needs of patients with more speed and accuracy. 

Funding is being provided to 30 organizations including:

§         Hospitals

§         Long-term care homes

§         Public health units

§         Family health teams

§         Home health care agencies

§         Correctional services

This initiative is part of HealthForceOntario, the government’s broader health human resources strategy.

QUOTES

“Nurses play a key role in our healthcare system,” said Ted McMeekin, MPP Ancaster Dundas Flamborough Westdale. “The investment in PDA technology is an important step in support of the nurses in our community.”

”This investment recognizes the vital role of nurses; particularly at the bedside and gives them the tools they need to deliver care.” added Sophia Aggelonitis. “Access to quick and accurate medical advice will now be enhanced greatly.”

QUICK FACTS

§         Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are hand-held computer devices that store information, provide access to resources and offer a range of interactive clinical tools for practitioners including calculators, drug databases and diagnostic manuals. 

§         Under the current initiative, over 1440 devices have been purchased, giving up to 2000 nurses bedside access to PDA technology. 

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the HealthForceOntario strategy. 

Visit the Ontario Nursing Secretariat online to learn more about the nursing programs that make Ontario the employer of choice for nurses. 

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For further information, please contact

Ted McMeekin MPP  905-690-6552