Karen Seward, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for our pilot partner, Shepell•fgi, Canada’s leading provider of health and productivity solutions to employers.
Welcome to the first “TELUS health space” blog from Shepell-fgi!
What really excites me about TELUS health space is that the technology lets us and our health professionals, input and share information across computers and smart phones, and encourages each of us to take greater ownership of our own health.
With 1,700 TELUS team members signing up, it’s clear that this is a groundbreaking project that has some real possibilities of changing how we engage in our own health. Each one of us is part of an initiative that will ultimately transform how people manage their health in homes and businesses across the country.
Who among us doesn’t want to be healthier, or wish for more control over our health information? Many times I’ve found myself searching the house for health records, such as previous vaccinations dates, and have come up empty-handed. I’ve had to rely on my doctor’s records, which fortunately were only a phone call away.
But, for those of us who have switched doctors, have multiple doctors, or, had a doctor retire, it may be difficult to retrieve information.
I know a great number of parents who would love to have the TELUS health space technology available while their kids are growing up to create and store their personal health records. Ear aches, sports injuries, infections and chicken pox are typically part and parcel of growing up. Given the adventures of childhood, I’m sure having your children’s complete health history at your fingertips will be helpful on a variety of occasions.
Many of us have experienced a serious health issue, or have a friend or family member that is struggling with an illness today. Over the course of diagnosis or treatment, a variety of health professionals are often involved. When valuable information is not shared between professionals it could delay a correct diagnosis or appropriate treatment. Having your medical history readily available if you’re travelling when a health issue occurs could also support appropriate treatment.
Easy health information sharing, whether it’s with your physician, pharmacist, chiropractor or naturopath – combined with anytime, anywhere access to personal data – is going to help all of us be more engaged in our health and the health of our families. This is turn will help TELUS to be a healthier organization – since healthier employees, mean more productive and healthier workplaces.
I look forward to sharing more insights about TELUS health space in the months ahead, and to helping each of you take greater control of your own health. Thanks for your interest and enthusiasm. The more you learn about TELUS health space, the more you’ll love it!
