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Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care
CONnecting and Coordinating an Enhanced Network for TRansitions in Care (CONCENTRIC)
Reimagining Transitions in Care for Rural Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Lead
Chester Ho
Co-lead
Additional Contributors
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THE CHALLENGE
Rural patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) face significant challenges during their transition from inpatient rehabilitation back into their communities. Limited access to in-person peer networking opportunities in rural areas restricts essential social support and resources. As a result, SCI patients often experience higher rates of psychological disorders, such as depression, which further complicates their reintegration process. While virtual peer networks have shown potential, their implementation remains underdeveloped, and the effectiveness of these systems is hindered by inadequate community resources such as ongoing care and tailored programs.
THE CHALLENGE
Rural patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) face significant challenges during their transition from inpatient rehabilitation back into their communities. Limited access to in-person peer networking opportunities in rural areas restricts essential social support and resources. As a result, SCI patients often experience higher rates of psychological disorders, such as depression, which further complicates their reintegration process. While virtual peer networks have shown potential, their implementation remains underdeveloped, and the effectiveness of these systems is hindered by inadequate community resources such as ongoing care and tailored programs.
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 initiative introduces a virtual peer network for rural SCI patients, using cutting-edge spatial meeting technologies to enhance peer connections and community reintegration. The intervention leverages mixed-reality headsets, 360-degree cameras, and a combination of Zoom and immersive meeting applications to create engaging, supportive environments. By addressing gaps in traditional care transitions, this model utilizes technology to foster meaningful connections and improve patient outcomes.
HOW IT WORKS
Participants in the virtual peer network join twice-monthly sessions, alternating between videoconferencing and spatial technologies. Coordinators and peers facilitate sessions using mixed-reality headsets and 360-degree cameras. A mixed-methods evaluation compares these tools to videoconferencing to assess outcomes and reintegration for better patient tie.
THE BENEFITS
For Users
Enhanced Support: Users receive guidance from Client Service Coordinators and experienced peers, improving their transition into community living.
Reduced Isolation: Immersive technologies enable rural patients to form meaningful peer connections, alleviating feelings of loneliness.
Improved Access to Resources: Virtual networks provide patients with access to necessary information and support, regardless of their location.
Better Emotional Well-Being: Stronger peer connections and support systems contribute to reduced rates of psychological disorders such as depression.
For The System
Improved Patient Outcomes: The initiative supports better reintegration for SCI patients, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Innovative Technology Integration: By leveraging spatial meeting technologies, the organization pioneers new approaches to virtual care and peer support.
Scalable Solutions: This model can inform future practices and policies for supporting rural patients in similar contexts.
Knowledge Advancement: The mixed-methods study contributes to research on using immersive technologies to improve patient care and transitions.
THE BENEFITS
For Users
Enhanced Support: Users receive guidance from Client Service Coordinators and experienced peers, improving their transition into community living.
Reduced Isolation: Immersive technologies enable rural patients to form meaningful peer connections, alleviating feelings of loneliness.
Improved Access to Resources: Virtual networks provide patients with access to necessary information and support, regardless of their location.
Better Emotional Well-Being: Stronger peer connections and support systems contribute to reduced rates of psychological disorders such as depression.
For The System
Improved Patient Outcomes: The initiative supports better reintegration for SCI patients, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Innovative Technology Integration: By leveraging spatial meeting technologies, the organization pioneers new approaches to virtual care and peer support.
Scalable Solutions: This model can inform future practices and policies for supporting rural patients in similar contexts.
Knowledge Advancement: The mixed-methods study contributes to research on using immersive technologies to improve patient care and transitions.
Ready to Keep Exploring?
***If you’d like to learn more or connect about CONCENTRIC, reach out to Chester Ho, Project Lead, at:
Get Involved
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