Achieving standardization of health information in Canada by the year 2000

As health reforms gain momentum in Canada, a critical need has been identified for the development of standardized health information across the continuum of health services. Although vast amounts of data are collected, deficiencies and gaps in current information systems seriously limit its effective use. As provinces and territories move toward more integrated health services systems, the necessity for a comprehensive and systematic analysis of health information requirements, and the development of requisite standards has never been greater. To begin addressing this need, the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) established a number of interrelated projects in 1995. This paper describes the goals of these projects, as well as the approach used to assess information needs across health services and to develop required standards.