What is BC-CPCSSN?
BC-CPCSSN stands for British Columbia Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network and is one of several provincial nodes that contribute to a pan-Canadian data repository called CPCSSN. CPCSSN is the first and only pan-Canadian data repository that connects with clinics across Canada to support primary care physicians or nurse practitioners in understanding their patient information, their clinic and how it compares to other clinics.
What information is being taken from my medical records?
BC-CPCSSN takes a copy of information such as diagnoses, current health conditions, medications prescribed, lab tests, and physical exams. We also store information on referrals, risk factors, and family history.
Are my personal details at risk?
No, BC-CPCSSN does not take any identifiable information. All patients, providers, and clinics are given a unique, random CPCSSN ID to ensure that no one can be identified in the data repository. We run special programs to ensure any identifiable information, such as names, addresses or telephone numbers, are removed before the data can be used for any purpose.
What does ‘de-identified’ mean? Is that the same as anonymized?
Data that are de-identified have no personal information and replace any ID numbers with random values. BC-CPCSSN keeps a copy of the link between the original ID values and the random IDs in a separate database in order to allow approved projects to securely connect your data with other databases.
How is my information being used?
When your provider agrees to participate in BC-CPCSSN, de-identified patient information is copied from electronic medical records and presented back to your doctor or nurse practitioner. These de-identified and aggregated reports make it easy for them to view and understand your personal health information, as well as learn more about their practice patterns (for example, how often are certain medications are prescribed for depression management in younger patients). This helps primary care providers make informed decisions about how to improve your healthcare and how they run their clinic.
How is my information protected? Where is it being stored?
Your data are stored on a secure server in a university-hosted data centre that meets provincial guidelines under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Access to these servers is strictly limited to specific people and controlled with virtual private network (VPNs) and strong passwords.
What if I don’t want my information used? Can I opt out?
Yes! If you do not want your information to be used, please notify a staff member at the front desk of the clinic and they will provide you with an opt-out pad for you to complete. This sheet is then sent to our Network, where we will ensure your information is removed indefinitely.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please email our team at info@spor-bcphcrn.ca.
BC Primary Health Care Research Network 