RNAO and Infoway to Release Guideline to Advance Professional Practice in a Digital Age

Today, the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) and Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) launched the panel for an upcoming best practice guideline aimed at taking advantage of technology to optimize clinical leadership and health system deliverables. The guideline's expert panel is meeting at RNAO's home office in downtown Toronto to lay the framework for the first-of-its-kind document, slated for release in February 2017.

"Technology is a driving force of change in all facets of society. It has already transformed the way health care is delivered, and has the potential to help make generations of Canadians healthier," says Maureen Charlebois, chief nursing executive for Canada Health Infoway, and one of the panel's leads. "This guidelinewill provide a roadmap to integrate new and transformative technologies into professional practice and leadership competencies smoothly and effectively."

Charlebois is co-chairing the panel with Diane Salois-Swallow, chief information officer for Mackenzie Health. Along with more than 20 experts from a wide range of backgrounds, they are reviewing the evidence and developing recommendations that will drive technology-enabled clinical practice and information management.

"Registered nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing students are leaders at all levels of the health system– from the front lines of clinical care, to administration, education, research and policy. Backed by the evidence-based recommendations in this guideline, they will become champions for technology-enabled practice just as they are champions for health," says Doris Grinspun, chief executive officer of RNAO, adding that "RNAO is proud to partner with Infoway and top experts from around the country as we work together to leverage solutions to advance the health needs and outcomes of the public."

RNAO's internationally acclaimed best practice guidelines support the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based practice throughout the health system. Each guideline is developed by a panel comprised of leaders in the field, and backed by extensive research.

RNAO is the professional association representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing students in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses’ contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve. For more information about RNAO, visit RNAO.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) helps to improve the health of Canadians by working with partners to accelerate the development, adoption and effective use of digital health across Canada. Through our investments, we help deliver better quality and access to care and more efficient delivery of health services for patients and clinicians. Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. For more information about Canada health Infoway visit: www.infoway-inforoute.ca.

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For more information, or to arrange an interview with a nurse, please contact:

Daniel Punch
Communications Officer/Writer
Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario
416-408-5606
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