Failure of electronic medical records in Canada: a failure of policy or a failure of technology?

This paper utilizes three frameworks described in the literature to better understand the reasons why Canada lags other OECD countries in EMR implementation. First, we use an EMR policy framework to evaluate three provincial EMR implementation programs across Canada. Second, we use an EMR implementation multi-theoretical framework that is predictive of EMR success to evaluate those same programs. Finally, we use a cost-benefit framework developed in the USA to compare the cost-benefits of EMR implementations in Canada compared to those in the USA. We draw conclusions and make recommendations based on our findings.