Canadian MIS Database
The Canadian MIS Database (CMDB) is the national data source for financial and statistical information about hospitals and health regions. The data are collected according to a standardized framework for collecting and reporting financial and statistical data on the day-to-day operations of health service organizations. The framework is known as the Standards for Management Information Systems in Canadian Health Service Organizations (MIS Standards).
Source
Hospitals and health regions are expected to submit MIS Standards-compliant financial and statistical data relating to hospital services to the CMDB. Health regions also submit other health service activities. Most provinces and territories submit hospital data through their respective ministries of health.
Data Elements
The variables and concepts used to capture information in the CMDB are based on the Standards for Management Information Systems in Canadian Health Service Organizations (MIS Standards). The MIS Standards are a comprehensive set of standards used to report management information that is ultimately submitted to the CMDB and is related to staffing, costs, workload and provision of services. The MIS Standards are designed to apply across the continuum of services, ranging from hospitals to community-based health service organizations, providing a framework to generate, maintain and analyze information required for effective decision-making, and accountability.
Purpose
The CMDB records financial and statistical information based on a standardized chart of accounts, applying general accounting policies and procedures, workload measurement systems, service activity statistics and indicators that support management decision-making in health service organizations. The information in the CMDB can potentially be used to cost the activities of health service organizations and forms the basis of management reporting including annual general purpose financial statements, financial ratio analysis and operational budgeting.
Data Quality
Through our Data Quality Enhancement Program, CIHI strives to ensure that the quality of the information in our data holdings is suited to its intended uses, and that data users are provided good information about data quality.
Privacy
Data disclosure is determined by CIHI's privacy principles and policies. The CMDB privacy impact assessment (PDF 89 KB) affirms that this database complies with the privacy principles and policies of CIHI. In some instances, CIHI and Statistics Canada jointly manage the release of information.
Availability
- Most recent year – 2008-2009
- Next release – 2009-2010 (May 2011)
- Historical series:
- 1995-1996 to 2008-2009
- 1932-1933 to 1993-1994 (available from Statistics Canada under the name Annual Return of Health Care Facilities-Hospitals)
Data Request
Advisory Groups
The Technical Working Group provides CIHI with expert technical advice on the development, maintenance and effective implementation of the MIS Standards across the continuum of health service delivery. The working group is composed of provincial and territorial MIS Coordinators. Additional members from the field may be added at CIHI's discretion.
