Medical Imaging Results Delayed Due to Error with Automated Faxing System

Released on July 4, 2016

An issue with a provincial automated faxing notification for medical imaging results has been identified and corrected for one physician’s account in Saskatoon Health Region.

Notifications of test results were delayed for 62 patients between July 2015 and May 2016.  The error had the potential to delay further follow-up tests for five of the 62 patients.

“eHealth Saskatchewan’s top priority is to maintain the health, safety and privacy of patients across this province, so we take all incidents seriously and apologize for any patient concern,” eHealth CEO Susan Antosh said.  “As soon as we were alerted of the delays, we began working closely with Saskatoon Health Region to resolve the issue and to put measures in place to prevent this from reoccurring.  We are committed to transparency for items with potential patient impact and measures taken to rectify the situation.”

Saskatoon Health Region has informed all 62 patients and has spoken directly with the five individuals who were subject to the potential delay in follow-up testing.  Subsequent tests for those five patients have been completed and there is no additional impact to their health as a result.  There was no delay in follow-up tests or care with the remaining 57 patients.

”While it is fortunate no one was harmed, we know this error may have created a stressful situation for patients and families,” Saskatoon Health Region’s Department Head of Medical Imaging Dr. Paul Babyn said.  “It’s important for patients to know that it is always your right and option to request your test results from your physician.”

To prevent future incidents, eHealth and the Saskatoon Health Region have put additional audit processes in place including manual checks and internal education.  An internal auditing system is planned for implementation in the next few weeks.  Patients can call the Client Representative Office at 306-655-0250 if they have any questions or concerns.

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For more information, contact:

Lisa Adam
eHealth
Regina
Phone: 306-337-0976
Email: lisa.adam@ehealthsask.ca
Cell: 306-540-5816