Since 2001, the development of First Nations Telehealth/Telemedicine in Ontario has demonstrated a collaborative approach to meeting health needs without unnecessary duplication or creation of parallel health care systems.
Its growth has been facilitated by strong relationships with member First Nations and among KO Telemedicine, the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) and First Nations and Inuit Health (FNIH). The net result has been the establishment and maintenance of a high quality and cost effective Telehealth/Telemedicine service for Ontario's most isolated communities.
The service model is rooted in First Nations requirements, directed by community leadership and focused on First Nations health and wellness priorities. The use of information and communications technology supports a wide range of health, social and economic development needs and anticipates First Nations development of complementary health initiatives such as clinical information systems and their use in population health and pandemic planning.