Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Revalidated for HIMSS EMRAM Stage 7

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, has achieved a significant milestone in its digital health journey. CAMH has been revalidated for the HIMSS Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) Stage 7, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery. 

This accomplishment builds on CAMH’s first EMRAM validation. In 2017, it became the first mental health hospital in Canada to achieve EMRAM Stage 7 certification.  

CAMH, based in Toronto, serves over 40,000 patients annually. It provides comprehensive mental health services, including treatment for addiction, schizophrenia, mood and anxiety disorders. As Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, CAMH combines clinical care, research, and public policy advocacy to advance mental health services both nationally and internationally. 

“Reflecting on what we’ve accomplished together is truly inspiring,” said Noelle Coombe, Vice President, Digital Health & Chief Information Officer. “Achieving this recognition marks an extraordinary feat given the complexity of our clinical environment, operational changes and the challenges of a post-pandemic world. 

The rigorous process of revalidating for EMRAM Stage 7 required CAMH to meet stringent criteria set by HIMSS. The organization undertook a comprehensive assessment of its workflows to ensure alignment with the maturity model’s requirements. CAMH refined its processes, standardized operations and provided extensive training to ensure full adoption of the EHR system by its staff. A focus on improving data quality and leveraging analytics demonstrated measurable improvements in care delivery.  

For patients, this achievement means safer, higher-quality care. Their advanced EHR system allows CAMH to develop personalized treatment plans, reduce errors and ensure seamless coordination across care teams.  

Strong leadership and strategic oversight were also essential to CAMH’s success in this revalidation. A dedicated Steering Committee provided guidance throughout the revalidation process, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and HIMSS standards.  

HIMSS also commended CAMH’s dedication to patient-centered care and digital innovation. “EMRAM Stage 7 revalidation is no small feat,” said Dana Trampas, MPH, a digital health advisor at HIMSS. “It’s a testament to CAMH’s commitment to using digital health to make a real difference in mental health care.” 

This revalidation continues to highlight CAMH’s position as a leader in mental health care and digital transformation.