November 2024

As healthcare continues to evolve, so does our commitment to keeping you at the forefront of innovation. We are excited to announce that our newsletter is transforming to the latest advancements in digital health in Ontario and beyond. Moving forward, we will provide you with a comprehensive look at cutting-edge tools, technologies, and best practices that are shaping the future of patient care.


Our goal is to become your go-to source for everything digital health—from telemedicine to the latest healthcare software and patient engagement platforms. Stay tuned as we bring you news, insights and resources designed to help you enhance your practice and improve patient outcomes.


We are excited to be your ultimate digital health toolbox as we navigate the latest in digital health with you.

  • ConnectMyHealth: A New Tool for Your Patients' Health Record Access
  • Phishing Alert: Don't Take the Bait
  • Top 5 Cybersecurity Tips for Small Healthcare Organizations
  • New eConsult Specialist Spotlight: Dr. Sharon Burey
  • New eConsult Specialist Spotlight: Dr. Maher Sabalbal

ConnectMyHealth: A New Tool for Your Patients' Health Record Access

ConnectMyHealth is a web-based platform designed to streamline your patients’ access to their health records across the Windsor-Essex region and Southwestern Ontario.


Why ConnectMyHealth Matters for Your Patients

ConnectMyHealth consolidates hospital health records into one secure platform, giving your patients an easier way to stay informed about their medical history. The platform is free to use and can be accessed on both desktop and mobile devices. With ConnectMyHealth, patients can:

  • Access Test Results from participating hospitals across the Ontario Health West Region.
  • Receive Alerts when new records are available.
  • Track Upcoming Appointments for hospital visits.
  • Customize their Dashboard to prioritize the health information most important to them.


Additionally, patients can view a variety of records, including:

  • Laboratory and microbiology results from hospital tests.
  • Diagnostic imaging and cardiology reports with corresponding images.
  • Discharge summaries (available from October 1, 2018 onwards).
  • Medications prescribed during hospital visits.
  • Pathology, genetics, and blood bank reports.
  • Hospital visit history, upcoming appointments, and more.


Security and Privacy You Can Trust

Patients log in with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), adding a layer of security to ensure the protection of sensitive health data.


Enhancing Patient Engagement

As a physician, you understand how vital it is for patients to stay engaged in their care. ConnectMyHealth enhances your practice by providing patients with real-time access to their health information, supporting both virtual and in-person care models.


Encourage Your Patients to Sign Up

Encourage your patients to take advantage of ConnectMyHealth. It is a valuable tool that complements the care you provide by enabling patients to better manage their health information.


For further information, visit https://info.connectmyhealth.ca/home or contact Darren Brown, Project Manager, Windsor-Essex Ontario Health Team at darren.brown@weoht.ca or Rachel Boucquez from the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team at rachel.boucquez@ckoht.ca


Thank you for supporting patient empowerment across our region.


Phishing Alert: Don't Take the Bait

Recognizing phishing attempts via email is crucial for safeguarding personal and organizational data. Phishing emails often masquerade as legitimate communications to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. By identifying these threats early, individuals can prevent identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorized access to confidential data. Key indicators of phishing include unexpected requests for personal information, urgent or alarming language, and suspicious email addresses. Educating employees and users about these signs enhances overall cybersecurity, reducing the risk of successful attacks and maintaining the integrity of digital environments.


Here are the top 6 tips for recognizing phishing emails:

  • Check the Sender’s Email Address: Phishing emails often come from addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but have slight variations. Always verify the sender’s email address carefully.
  • Look for Spelling and Grammar Errors: Many phishing emails contain noticeable spelling and grammar mistakes. Legitimate companies usually proofread their communications.
  • Beware of Urgent or Threatening Language: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency or fear to prompt immediate action. Be cautious of emails that pressure you to act quickly.
  • Verify Links Before Clicking: Hover over any links to see the actual URL. Phishing emails often use misleading links that appear to be from legitimate sources but direct you to malicious websites.
  • Avoid Unsolicited Attachments: Be wary of unexpected attachments, especially if they come from unknown senders. These can contain malware.
  • Check for Generic Greetings: Phishing emails often use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your name. Legitimate companies usually personalize their emails.

Top 5 Cybersecurity Tips for Small Healthcare Organizations

  1. Employee Training: Educate all employees on cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing phishing emails and using strong passwords. Regular training sessions can significantly reduce the risk of human error.
  2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all critical systems and accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond just a password.
  3. Regular Backups: Ensure that all important data is backed up regularly and stored securely. Automated remote backups can help recover data quickly in case of a cyberattack.
  4. Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Use strong, unique passwords for Wi-Fi networks and ensure they are encrypted. Consider setting up a separate network for guests to prevent unauthorized access.
  5. Access Control: Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to limit access to sensitive information based on an employee’s role. This minimizes the risk of internal threats and data breaches.


New eConsult Specialist Spotlight: Dr. Sharon Burey

Dr. Sharon Burey is a behavioural pediatrician, a recognized leader on the health and well-being of children, and a senator. She has had the privilege of practicing in the Windsor-Essex community for over 30 years. Prior to her appointment to serve in the Senate of Canada, Dr. Burey was a member of the Health Policy Committee at the Ontario Medical Association, and was the president of the Pediatricians Alliance of Ontario, which is also the Ontario Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Her Bachelor of Science in Biology was completed at the University of Western Ontario, her medical degree at Dalhousie University, and her residency in Pediatrics at the IWK hospital in Halifax.


Dr. Burey expressed support for eConsult, its ability to potentially improve wait times, and hopes it will increase access to important mental health care services. At this time, her scope of practice is focused on child developmental issues and behavioural or learning problems—including diagnoses like Anxiety, Depression, ASD, and ADHD.

New eConsult Specialist Spotlight: Dr. Maher Sabalbal

Dr. Maher Sabalbal is a vascular surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive techniques to treat both arterial and venous disease. These advanced techniques were passed down from world renowned mentors while training in state of the art facilities in Calgary, Alberta.


He spearheaded the establishment of an endovascular program at Windsor Regional Hospital, where he also served on the Board of Directors as vice president, and then president of the professional staff association.


He serves as a reviewer of two vascular surgery academic journals and is an adjunct professor of surgery at Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Windsor Campus. Dr. Sabalbal can receive vascular consults and questions through eConsult.

Looking for

New Specialists


We are looking for specialists to join eConsult in the Erie St Clair Region. Please help us spread the word!

Email us today!

Contact Information


For more information on anything in this email, or to schedule a follow-up appointment with our team, please contact us at the email listed below.


Cassie Verburg

Change Management and Adoption Coordinator

Cassie.Verburg@transformsso.ca

 

Matthew McAvoy

Change Management and Adoption Coordinator

Matthew.McAvoy@transformsso.ca



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