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Theme 1: Bridging Community and Acute Care
APPROACH
My Heart + Chronic Kidney Disease Decision Kit
Lead
Matthew James
Co-lead
Stephen Wilton
Additional Contributors
Todd Wilson, Pantea Javaheri, Julie Babione
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THE CHALLENGE
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face complex challenges when undergoing heart disease tests and treatments, which carry unique risks for this population. Many CKD patients lack the information needed to make informed, personalized choices about these procedures, potentially resulting in hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and decreased survival. Effective communication of individualized risks and benefits is crucial to support decision-making based on each patient’s values and needs.
THE CHALLENGE
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face complex challenges when undergoing heart disease tests and treatments, which carry unique risks for this population. Many CKD patients lack the information needed to make informed, personalized choices about these procedures, potentially resulting in hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and decreased survival. Effective communication of individualized risks and benefits is crucial to support decision-making based on each patient’s values and needs.
THE INNOVATION
Innovation Overview Heading
HOW IT WORKS
HOW IT WORKS
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[Innovation Overview] This project focuses on understanding and addressing the technological acceptance barriers among older adults in Central Alberta. By comparing the usage and attitudes of those living independently, with partners, or in care facilities, the initiative identifies gaps and opportunities to design more inclusive, user-friendly digital health solutions.
Surveys and in-depth interviews gather insights into older adults’ experiences with existing eHealth and mHealth platforms, with a focus on their potential for improving healthcare access and supporting healthy aging.
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HOW IT WORKS
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THE INNOVATION
This tool is a shared decision-making (SDM) aid designed specifically for CKD patients facing decisions about heart disease tests and treatments. It provides personalized benefit-risk information, enabling patients and healthcare providers to engage in informed, collaborative decision-making that respects patient values.
HOW IT WORKS
The decision aid allows patients to explore two treatment options, displaying potential outcomes for each choice through probability data, icon arrays, and clear text explanations. It includes a values-ranking feature, where patients can express their preferences for different life outcomes, helping to align decisions with their unique priorities. By visually representing options and integrating patient values, the tool strengthens shared decision-making between patients and providers.
THE BENEFITS
For Users
Enhanced Understanding: The tool helps CKD patients comprehend complex risk-benefit information tailored to their health profile.
Increased Confidence: Patients gain confidence in their treatment choices, thanks to clear visuals and data that support understanding and alignment with personal values.
Improved Patient-Provider Communication: Facilitates open dialogue, fostering trust and shared goals in the decision-making process.
For The System
Reduced Hospitalizations and Costs: By avoiding unnecessary procedures, the tool supports better health outcomes and reduces healthcare costs.
Enhanced Clinical Practice: Embedding the tool in clinical workflows promotes consistent, patient-centered care and shared decision-making across healthcare settings.
Improved Health Outcomes: By aligning treatments with patient priorities, the tool contributes to improved quality of life and potentially extended survival for CKD patients.
THE BENEFITS
For Users
Enhanced Understanding: The tool helps CKD patients comprehend complex risk-benefit information tailored to their health profile.
Increased Confidence: Patients gain confidence in their treatment choices, thanks to clear visuals and data that support understanding and alignment with personal values.
Improved Patient-Provider Communication: Facilitates open dialogue, fostering trust and shared goals in the decision-making process.
For The System
Reduced Hospitalizations and Costs: By avoiding unnecessary procedures, the tool supports better health outcomes and reduces healthcare costs.
Enhanced Clinical Practice: Embedding the tool in clinical workflows promotes consistent, patient-centered care and shared decision-making across healthcare settings.
Improved Health Outcomes: By aligning treatments with patient priorities, the tool contributes to improved quality of life and potentially extended survival for CKD patients.
Get Involved
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View other projects and explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are transforming care across the province.
Explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are solving real-world challenges and shaping the future of care across the province.
ABOUT
The Health Everywhere Hub portfolio map showcases academic-led projects tackling real healthcare challenges across Alberta. By highlighting shared goals and commonalities, we hope to spark collaboration and amplify impact across the system.
It’s more than a list of projects - this evolving collection shows what’s possible when partnerships, bold ideas, and real-world testing come together.