New working group to modernize sex and gender information practices in digital health

InfoCentral is launched a new working group focused on modernizing how sex and gender information is captured and used in digital health solutions at a pan-Canadian level to keep pace with similar federal and jurisdictional work. Dr. Francis Lau, Professor in School of Health Information Science and Dr. Nathan Lachowsky, Assistant Professor in School of Public Health and Social Policy, both at the University of Victoria, are jointly facilitating the Sex and Gender working group.

At an HL7 community meeting, Dr. Francis Lau presented examples of academic research and jurisdictional projects across Canada, such as the preparation of gender identity for national statistical system and policy direction by Statistics Canada & Treasury Board, the update of sex and gender standards at Canadian Institute for Health Information, and the Genderbread person considered by BC Ministry of Health.

Bring your knowledge and experience to this working group to develop an implementation strategy to modernize sex and gender information practices in electronic health record (EHR) systems in Canada. The scope will include:

• Expanding the definition, collection, use and sharing of sex-gender info in EHRs
• Summarizing current practices, gaps and challenges
• Proposing an action plan to modernize sex-gender info practices in Canada.

Join the Sex and Gender working group on InfoCentral to participate in forum discussions and to be informed of upcoming meetings and document resources.

Want to learn more?

• Read: Dr. Lau’s November 15 presentation to the HL7 Community
• Read: The Gender Harmony Project-Environmental Scan for Sex and Gender
• Review: Sex and Gender Documentation
• Join: Sex and Gender Working Group on InfoCentral

Feedback or questions about the Sex and Gender Working Group can be posted in the Sex and Gender forum or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..