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Theme 1: Bridging Community and Acute Care
PAUSE
Helping patients with chronic conditions manage medications safely during unexpected acute illness
Lead
David Campbell
Co-lead
Matt James
Additional Contributors
Sara Gill, Julie Babione
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THE CHALLENGE
Many patients are unsure of when to pause or restart their medications during illness, potentially leading to harmful complications such as dehydration, kidney damage, or fainting-related falls. Existing resources often provide general information that may not be relevant to individual needs, leaving patients without specific, personalized guidance during acute illness episodes.
THE CHALLENGE
Many patients are unsure of when to pause or restart their medications during illness, potentially leading to harmful complications such as dehydration, kidney damage, or fainting-related falls. Existing resources often provide general information that may not be relevant to individual needs, leaving patients without specific, personalized guidance during acute illness episodes.
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
The PAUSE app is a digital tool that helps patients manage their medications safely during times of illness. It provides personalized, symptom-based guidance to help users know when to temporarily pause or restart specific medications, reducing the risk of dehydration, kidney injury, or falls, and advising when to seek medical care.
HOW IT WORKS
Family physicians introduce the app when prescribing new medications, giving patients a personalized resource for managing meds during illness. Pharmacists reinforce this by discussing medication safety and encouraging app use, which provides symptom-based guidance and alerts to seek care if needed.
THE BENEFITS
For Users
Personalized Medication Guidance: Offers individualized advice on when to stop or restart medications during illness, helping patients avoid adverse effects.
Improved Self-Management: Empowers patients to take control of their medication management, reducing the need to rely on healthcare providers for guidance during minor illnesses.
Prevention of Hospital Visits: Clear instructions reduce the likelihood of complications that may otherwise lead to emergency department visits or hospitalizations.
For The System
Reduced Emergency Visits: Accessible guidance helps prevent avoidable ER visits caused by medication errors.
Support for Innovation and Evaluation: Built-in decision-support and trial features (e.g., e-recruitment, randomization) enable continuous evaluation with Connect Care and Alberta's health system.
Enhanced Chronic Disease Management: Empowering patients to manage medications independently means both better long-term health outcomes, and reduces strain on healthcare resources.
THE BENEFITS
For Users
Personalized Medication Guidance: Offers individualized advice on when to stop or restart medications during illness, helping patients avoid adverse effects.
Improved Self-Management: Empowers patients to take control of their medication management, reducing the need to rely on healthcare providers for guidance during minor illnesses.
Prevention of Hospital Visits: Clear instructions reduce the likelihood of complications that may otherwise lead to emergency department visits or hospitalizations.
For The System
Reduced Emergency Visits: Accessible guidance helps prevent avoidable ER visits caused by medication errors.
Support for Innovation and Evaluation: Built-in decision-support and trial features (e.g., e-recruitment, randomization) enable continuous evaluation with Connect Care and Alberta's health system.
Enhanced Chronic Disease Management: Empowering patients to manage medications independently means both better long-term health outcomes, and reduces strain on healthcare resources.
Ready to Keep Exploring?
If you’d like to learn more or connect about PAUSE, reach out to Shania Liu, Project Coordinator, at:
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