Concerns are mounting in Newfoundland and Labrador as physicians voice strong opposition to the impending rollout of CorCare, a province-wide electronic health information system. Set to launch on April 25, the system, based on the widely-used Epic platform, is intended to modernize healthcare by replacing outdated systems and creating a single, integrated digital record for patients. But, more than 250 doctors have signed a petition calling for a phased implementation, fearing the rapid transition will compromise patient safety and potentially drive physicians away from the province.
The core of the dispute centers on the speed of implementation and the terms of access for community-based physicians. Many doctors, particularly those who still rely on paper records, express concern about being forced to adopt a new, complex system with limited training and support. The potential for errors, delays in care, and increased liability are significant worries, particularly given Newfoundland and Labrador’s existing challenges in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals. Access to a family doctor in the province already lags behind the national average, with approximately 29.1% of residents currently without one, compared to a national average of 17%, according to a report from the Canadian Medical Association. Canadian Medical Association Report Card
Dr. Sarah Tulk, a family physician in St. John’s, described the situation as feeling akin to being strong-armed. “Nobody wants to work with a bully, saying you have to sign this in order to do this [have access to CorCare]. I mean, that’s not a partnership, that’s a dictatorship,” she said. Her comments reflect a broader sentiment among community physicians regarding a 35-page agreement they are required to sign to access the system through CorCare Link. A key point of contention is the potential for financial liability in the event of a data breach or cyberattack, recalling the significant cyberattack that impacted the province’s healthcare system in October 2021. CBC News: Newfoundland and Labrador Cyberattack
Concerns Over Patient Safety and System Readiness
Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, a dermatologist in St. John’s, acknowledges the long-term benefits of a province-wide electronic medical system but believes the current implementation plan is flawed. “When you have too much going on at once in multiple different settings, that introduces potential risk to patients,” he explained. He fears that even a single missed test result or delayed investigation could have serious consequences for patients. The concern is amplified by the fact that many community-based physicians are accustomed to using either electronic medical records or traditional paper charts, and are now being asked to transition to a completely new system simultaneously.
The potential for disruption extends beyond immediate patient care. Physicians worry about the administrative burden of learning a new system, the time required to input data, and the potential for reduced access to care during the transition period. NL Health Services has acknowledged that the launch of CorCare will likely result in reduced patient access initially, but physicians fear that the concurrent rollout of CorCare Link will exacerbate these disruptions.
The CorCare Link Agreement and Physician Retention
The mandatory nature of CorCare Link is a particularly sore point for many physicians. They argue that forcing participation undermines the collaborative relationship between the healthcare authority and the medical community. Several physicians have indicated they would consider retirement or leaving the province rather than sign the agreement as it currently stands. This raises serious concerns about the future of healthcare access in Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
“It doesn’t make someone want to come here and work here, especially when we already do have quite a bit against us in terms of our medical system,” Dr. Tulk added. The province has long struggled to attract and retain physicians, and the current situation could further exacerbate this challenge.
A Letter to the Authority
A letter signed by Dr. Ogunyemi and six other community-based physicians, titled “Urgent: A call for safe and fair implementation of CorCare and CorCare Link,” directly addresses these concerns to the provincial government and NL Health Services. The letter emphasizes the potential for decreased patient access if both CorCare and CorCare Link are rolled out concurrently, creating a “real and immediate risk” to care across the province.
NL Health Services, in a statement to CBC News, acknowledged the concerns raised by physicians and stated they are “continuing to work closely with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA) and physicians to further understand and respond to their feedback, with a shared focus on improving the health-care experience for patients.” However, the statement did not indicate any willingness to alter the current implementation timeline. “CorCare remains on track for implementation beginning April 25,” the statement concluded.
The situation highlights the complex challenges of implementing large-scale healthcare technology projects. While the promise of improved efficiency and integrated patient records is appealing, the potential for disruption and unintended consequences must be carefully considered. The coming weeks will be critical as Newfoundland and Labrador navigates this transition, and the voices of physicians will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of healthcare in the province.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about a healthcare system implementation and should not be considered medical advice. If you are experiencing a health emergency, please contact your healthcare provider or emergency services immediately.
The next step in this unfolding situation is the scheduled launch of CorCare on April 25. The coming days will reveal whether NL Health Services will address the concerns raised by physicians or proceed with the rollout as planned. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
