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By rdnewsNOW Staff

VIEW-ONLY VERSION

Alberta paramedics now able to access Connect Care

Feb 3, 2025 | 3:03 PM

Paramedics providing front-line care now have view-only access to Connect Care, as of Jan. 30.

Paramedics are now able to look up the most up-to-date health information available including medication lists, lab results, electrocardiograms and medical imaging.

The government says that allowing paramedics to view patient records on site should empower them to make informed clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes in critical moments.

“The introduction of Connect Care view-only access is a crucial advancement for our emergency medical services,” said Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange. “This initiative reflects our commitment to equipping our paramedics with the necessary tools to deliver timely and informed care, ensuring the safety and well-being of Albertans in their most vulnerable moments.”

From June to August in 2024, Alberta Health Services (AHS) piloted this update with paramedics in Calgary and Medicine Hat. The pilot assessed the training, access to and use of Connect Care, with paramedics providing positive feedback. Officials said the trial indicated improvements in clinical decision-making and patient safety, leading to the decision of a province-wide rollout.

“Paramedics have a multitude of abilities that make them a valuable part of the health care system. Having swift access to additional tools/data will notably assist them in providing enhanced care to all Albertans,” commented Len Stelmaschuk, president of the Alberta Paramedic Association.

Connect Care includes a 24-hour Smart Audit system, which flags unusual activities for immediate review by the AHS privacy breach team. Training, support and user guides are expected to be provided to help paramedics access the system.