Digital Health Dossier now under its wing

The deployment of the Digital Health File (DSN) in Quebec is scheduled for this fall, with the CIUSSS of North Montreal Island and Mauricie-Centre-du-Quebec set to undergo the planned testing. However, the project has faced persistent deviations and challenges, including delays and a standoff between the government and the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ).

The FMSQ has invited its members to stop participating in tasks related to the DSN implementation, such as training, due to ongoing negotiations that are currently at a standstill. This decision comes after the Quebec Federation of Specialist Doctors asked its members to refrain from participating in tasks related to the DSN implementation.

The SAAQclic fiasco has created challenges for the government in deploying digital projects, particularly in health, and the MSSS and Quebec Health are concerned about avoiding another such incident with the DSN. The internal document shows that the pressure tactics of doctors are described as "a critical issue," and a vigilance committee composed of Quebec Health and the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital has been created to oversee the DSN project.

The pilot project of the DSN in North Montreal and Mauricie-Centre-du-Quebec is facing delays, with a possible delay until February 2026 under consideration. Each month of delay for the DSN could cost an additional $11.5 million, which was not accounted for in the project's budget of $307 million.

To address these challenges, the DSN project management team has been strengthened, and strict accountability will be made to the board of directors. The contractual management of the project is in the green, as the contracts of suppliers are respected and no budget overrun is planned for the contractual aspect.

Despite these challenges, the deployment date of the DSN project remains unchanged, with showcase projects scheduled for late November. The overall evaluation of the DSN project in the two targeted regions is in the red, while costs and "landing" of the DSN are in the orange. The MSSS must grapple with challenges such as deploying large volumes of human resources during a shortage.

As the DSN deployment approaches, it remains to be seen how these challenges will be addressed and whether the project will be successful in its implementation. The search results do not provide information about the identity of the person currently responsible from the government for the management of the DSN in Québec.