The Canadian government has announced the discontinuation of PrescribeIT, a federal e-prescribing initiative developed in collaboration with Telus Health. This decision comes after spending more than a quarter of a billion dollars on a programme that aimed to modernise prescription transmission between healthcare providers and pharmacies. Despite thousands of pharmacies signing up for the service, its uptake has been disappointingly low.
Background on PrescribeIT
Launched in 2017 by Canada Health Infoway, PrescribeIT was part of a broader “axe the fax” strategy aimed at phasing out outdated communication methods in healthcare. The platform was designed to securely transmit prescriptions electronically from doctors’ offices directly to pharmacies, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing the potential for errors associated with traditional paper prescriptions.
Currently, PrescribeIT operates in eight provinces and territories and is being trialled in Quebec, with thousands of pharmacies, including major chains such as Shoppers Drug Mart and Walmart, participating. However, reports indicate that fewer than 5 per cent of prescriptions are sent electronically across Canada each year, highlighting significant challenges in adoption.
Cancellation Announcement
In recent communications, Canada Health Infoway has begun notifying stakeholders of the impending cancellation of the programme, with sources suggesting it will be officially phased out by mid-2026. Due to contractual obligations, the organisation has refrained from commenting on the specifics of the cancellation. A spokesperson, Haley Armstrong, promised further updates in the near future.
The non-profit had been exploring options to partner with a private entity to continue PrescribeIT’s legacy. A request for expressions of interest was posted in 2024, but the abrupt decision to cancel the programme has left many in the industry questioning the future of electronic prescribing in Canada.
Financial Implications
PrescribeIT has incurred annual costs of approximately £35 million in recent years, accumulating a total expenditure of over £250 million since its inception. The technology backbone of PrescribeIT was developed by Telus Health, which has been receiving substantial licensing fees and retains ownership of much of the intellectual property associated with the programme.
In a recent statement, Jill Yetman, director of public relations at Telus Health, confirmed that the company had received a termination notice but could not provide further details at this time. The company previously highlighted in a white paper that reliance on written prescriptions leads to inefficiencies and errors, citing a survey where many pharmacists expressed dissatisfaction with fax communications.
Future of E-Prescribing in Canada
The federal government has already begun scaling back funding for PrescribeIT, which has resulted in Canada Health Infoway charging pharmacists a fee for using the service. Glen Doucet, CEO of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, pointed out that the introduction of fees does little to encourage the use of the programme and emphasised the need for future initiatives to incentivise healthcare professionals.
Meanwhile, the government is pushing forward with legislation aimed at establishing national standards for the sharing and access of health data, including patient records. Doucet remains optimistic that Canada Health Infoway’s efforts will ultimately lead to improved electronic prescribing practices, even in the absence of PrescribeIT, suggesting that the era of fax machines in healthcare may soon come to an end.
Why it Matters
The cancellation of PrescribeIT raises significant concerns about the future of digital health initiatives in Canada. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the need for efficient and reliable electronic prescribing systems is paramount. The decision to cease this programme could hinder progress towards a more connected, digital-first healthcare environment, ultimately impacting patient safety and the quality of care. Embracing technology in healthcare is no longer optional; it is essential for ensuring that Canada’s health system keeps pace with modern expectations and capabilities.
