what is “open-source” software, And how does magenta health use it?
“Open-Source” software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance (source).
Some software has source code that only the person, team, or organization who created it—and maintains exclusive control over it—can modify. People call this kind of software "proprietary" or "closed source" software.
Only the original authors of proprietary software can legally copy, inspect, and alter that software. And in order to use proprietary software, computer users must agree (usually by signing a license displayed the first time they run this software) that they will not do anything with the software that the software's authors have not expressly permitted. Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop are examples of proprietary software.
Open source software is different. Its authors make its source code available to others who would like to view that code, copy it, learn from it, alter it, or share it. LibreOffice and the GNU Image Manipulation Program are examples of open source software.
OSCAR is an electronic medical record (EMR) system. The EMR is where physicians these days do nearly all of their work, from accessing personal health information, handling your medical requests (e.g. prescription renewals, specialist referrals), and managing their daily schedule - all in one place!
OSCAR was created by Dr. David Chan and McMaster University’s Department of Family Medicine. It has evolved with McMaster’s leadership and vital contributions from its dedicated open-source community to be one of the top EMRs in Canada.
Our shared vision is to enable continuous improvement in health outcomes and services, which includes making the experience and results the best they can be for the providers and recipients of care. We do this through leading edge research, development and knowledge sharing among a vibrant community of engaged clinicians in collaboration with skilled developers and experts in technology systems and security. This network of clinicians includes McMaster, Queens, McGill, the University of British Columbia and thousands of physicians across diverse practice settings.
Magenta Health runs on a public fork of this code, collaborating with others around the country on continuing this important and critical work.
To learn more about the innovations we’ve already implemented, and the exciting things to come on our roadmap to improve publicly-funded primary care, please click here.