Profiling task groups and committees: VA Provider Digital Health Committee - Vancouver Community of Care Medical, Dental and Allied Staff Association (VMDAS)

This is a new VCH committee reporting to the Vancouver Medical Advisory Committee (VMAC); it came about in part through VPSA advocating for a digital health committee during the implementation of CST/Cerner. VPSA will be summarizing minutes from the monthly meetings and posting them to its website.

Committee members are dedicated to shaping the delivery of health care through the integration of innovative digital tools, technologies and practices. The committee plays a key role in evaluating, recommending, and overseeing digital health initiatives to improve patient care, enhance operational efficiencies, and support clinical staff in their use of emerging technologies.

VPSA is afforded one representative on the committee, which also includes other physician voices. Dr. Darren Lee is VPSA’s rep; he formerly served on VPSA’s CST Task Group, which has been decommissioned. Eleven other VPSA physician members are part of the committee including Dr. Rachel Jen and Dr. Richard Lester who were also part of the VPSA CST Task Group. VPSA provides sessional funding for the physicians attending the meetings who would otherwise not be compensated for their time.

“Technology plays a huge role in providing potential improvements to health-care systems,” said Dr. Lee. “My role as the VPSA rep on the committee is to voice member concerns and bring our perspectives to the table. It can be a challenge to make everyone feel heard. I hope the committee will be able to relay physicians’ collective concerns effectively and bring about change.”