Achieving Interoperability in Primary Care in Canada: A Stakeholder Analysis Study.

Abstract

Canada's healthcare system is undergoing rapid technological changes, alongside increasing demand for services, clinician burnout, and rising costs. Achieving interoperability between primary care electronic medical records (EMRs) is critical to addressing these challenges by enabling real-time data sharing and informed decision-making. This study analyzes stakeholder requirements for interoperability, utilizing an adapted House of Quality matrix to map the contributions needed from healthcare providers, vendors, government, researchers, and technology deployment partners. The findings emphasize the necessity of cross-sector collaboration, with vendors playing a central role in providing technological solutions and providers and the government ensuring alignment with clinical standards and policies. The study highlights the importance of coordinated governance and identifies key areas for stakeholder collaboration to drive value for all interest holders in the healthcare ecosystem.