Canadian Medical Association and Canadian Pharmacists Association release e-prescribing joint statement

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) have approved a joint statement on the future of e-prescribing that aims to have all prescriptions for Canadians created, signed and transmitted electronically by 2015. The joint statement identifies the core principles that must be captured in a pan-Canadian system of e-prescribing, as well as its potential benefits and challenges. “Canada’s pharmacists and physicians have set forth a bold vision for the future of e-prescribing in Canada,” said Dr. Anna Reid, CMA president. “However, now that bold vision must be matched with bold action to advance e-prescribing for the benefit of patients.” The CMA and CPhA developed the joint statement as a first step in bringing partners together to develop a strategy and action plan. The two associations recognize that, while achieving full e-prescribing functionality by 2015 will not necessarily be an easy vision to achieve, the benefits to patients, health care providers, and the overall health system are undeniable and well worth the effort.