Digital health is transforming BC’s health care system, changing how doctors deliver care and how patients access it. From virtual consultations to electronic referrals and orders, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, digital health solutions are increasing efficiency, improving coordination, and enabling timely, patient-centered care. 

This Digital Health Week—November 17–23—we’re highlighting how Doctors of BC is supporting BC physicians to influence digital health decisions and accelerate improvements across the system through coordinated advocacy and technical expertise.

Increasing the influence of the physician voice

As part of our strategic plan, we are committed to supporting doctors in leading health system transformation and ensuring physicians’ interests are represented in digital health decisions. Over the past year, our Digital Health team engaged nearly 1,200 physicians through various channels, including Clinical Advisory Groups and broad member engagement, and gathered feedback on topics such as digital referrals and orders, patient summaries, virtual care, and artificial intelligence. 

This feedback informed clinical and technical requirements and change management supports for provincial programs and projects. Physician input has consistently guided our advocacy efforts for alignment and effective prioritization within the digital health space.

I appreciated the practical focus on real-world workflows, cross-sector perspectives and the sharing of experiences.” – Physician digital health Clinical Advisory Group participant

Supporting AI in practice

The Digital Health Strategy Team, in partnership with the Joint Collaborative Committees (JCCs), has been actively engaging physicians to expand support for the adoption of AI tools in physician offices. This includes our advocacy for BC physicians’ participation in the Infoway AI Scribe Project, an AI Scribes Burden pilot and localized support from Practice Improvement Coaches.

Driving digital health policy on AI

In addition to existing policies on improving digital health solutions, virtual care, and secondary use of data, this year, we released a policy statement on Artificial Intelligence in Health Care. Informed by member feedback, the statement calls for the inclusion of physician leadership in AI governance and oversight to ensure the responsible integration of AI tools in BC’s health care system.

AI Scribes Burden pilot

In collaboration with Canada Health Infoway and Amplify Care, we conducted an AI Scribes Burden Pilot to better understand physicians’ experiences with AI scribes. Key results of the pilot included a reduction in cognitive burden across practice types, with family physicians also experiencing a reduced administrative burden. Additional results can be found in Doctors of BC’s AI Scribes What We Heard report.

Advocating for physician involvement in Infoway’s AI Scribe implementation

Our ongoing advocacy efforts ensured that BC physicians had the opportunity to participate in the requirement gathering and selection of AI Scribes through the Canada Health Infoway national program, which allocated 10,000 licenses to physicians, with over 1,600 in BC.

Practical tools for incorporating AI in practice

Supporting the Doctors Technology Office, we have also developed guidance on practical considerations for choosing and implementing an AI scribe solution in practice, which can be found at Practical Considerations for Using AI Scribes. Additionally, this webpage provides information on: 

  • Seeking help integrating AI into your clinic’s workflow.
  • Accessing peer mentorship from physicians who are experienced in using AI tools.
  • An AI Scribes Practice Supports webinar recording that provides foundational knowledge and practical insights for physicians considering the implementation of AI scribes in their practice.

The Family Practice Services Committee’s Practice Support Program also supports clinics by providing Practice Improvement Coaches who can help them leverage technology to improve efficiency and care.

The future of digital health

We will continue to engage physicians to ensure their voices are central to the development of digital health solutions. We’re also continuing to support members with their digital health needs through policy work, our advocacy efforts, coaching, and the development of resources and information.