Alex Singer (MB) posted on 2026-06-03 08:26:53
This is extremely important!!
Francis Lau (BC) posted on 2026-06-03 10:46:19
I support creation of a document classification standard for across Canada. This is important work that needs to be done. For those who are not familiar with documentation exchange standards, It may be helpful to explain how this work is related to the following standards ...
(a) pan-Canadian LOINC Document Ontology - https://infocentral.infoway-inforoute.ca/en/resources/docs/pan-canadian-loinc-document-ontology
(b) BC Document Ontology Value Set - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/health-information-standards/standards-catalogue/bc-document-ontology
Thanks -Francis
Ian (BC) posted on 2026-06-03 20:24:02
Thanks Francis. The Pan-Canadian LOINC Document ontology was started after I presented the BC Document Ontology at eHealth 2025. However, budget constraints stopped the pan-Canadian working group with CHI. The working group members considered the work important and continued it as CDCI. CDCI is taking a fresh look at what makes a document ontology work for a whole country, whereas the BC ontology just needs to work for 5 health authorities. There will certainly be similarities, but a Canadian ontology needs to be more inclusive of many different ways hospitals organize their documents.
Anthon Meyer (BC) posted on 2026-06-08 16:46:36
I strongly support the development of a national document classification standard for Canada.
One of the most significant barriers to connected, patient-centred care is not simply access to information, but the ability to consistently identify, organize, exchange, and retrieve the right information at the right time. A common document classification standard provides foundational infrastructure for interoperability, reducing administrative burden, improving clinician workflow, and enabling safer information sharing across care settings.
From a patient perspective, standardized document classification is also an essential enabler of meaningful access to personal health information through emerging Personal Health Record and digital health initiatives. Patients, caregivers, clinicians, health organizations, and technology vendors all benefit when health information is structured, understandable, and consistently classified.
As Canada continues to advance interoperability and patient access initiatives, including the principles reflected in recent federal legislation and emerging discussions surrounding Bill S-5, national standards such as this will become increasingly important. They represent a practical and necessary step toward a more connected, learning, and patient-centred health system.
I commend Dr. Bekker, Dennis Lee, and colleagues for their leadership in advancing this important work.
Carl Severson (BC) posted on 2026-06-15 13:40:20
This is an incredibly powerful idea that would be incredibly simple to develop and implement. Truthfully, I am perplexed why we have not had a nation-wide document ontology already. I fully and wholly support creation of a document classification standard for across Canada. Doing so will help advance the care and well-being of all Canadians.
Esther Lee (BC) posted on 2026-06-15 21:38:51
I support creation of a document classification standard for across Canada.