Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care
Point of Care Ultrasound (Acumen - POCUS)
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Lead:
Michelle Grinman
Co-Lead:
Steve Reid
Co-Investigator:
Ghazwan Altabbaa
INNOVATION STAGE
Evaluation of Prototype
Health Innovation Focus
Chronic Disease
Population and Setting
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Technology and Intervention
Data Modelling, Platform and Dashboard Visualization; Wearable Technology, Imaging & Biosensors
BENEFITS
For Users
Remote Access: Physicians can interpret ultrasound scans from any location, ensuring timely diagnostics and reducing patient visits to acute care facilities.
Enhanced Learnability: Clinicians gain new skills in ultrasound use and interpretation, improving their diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
Cost and Complexity Reduction: The platform lowers the barriers to implementing POCUS by simplifying workflows and reducing reliance on expensive, complex equipment.
Earlier Interventions: The system enables the invention, validation, and scaling of new therapies, supporting early and effective treatment for patients.
For The System
Improved Access: Presuna democratizes access to advanced diagnostic tools, making them available in underserved or community settings.
Optimized Resources: Reduces strain on acute care facilities by enabling diagnostics and treatments within the community.
Scalability: Facilitates the development and adoption of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, enhancing healthcare delivery. Cost Efficiency: Lowers the overall costs of care delivery while maintaining high-quality patient outcomes.
Project Theme Information
Chronic diseases caused a loss of approximately 1.6 billion healthy years of life globally in 2019, with the burden rapidly increasing. Healthcare systems are further strained by pandemics and other pressures, resulting in worsened patient outcomes. While Ultrasound Guided Therapies (UGTs) can improve care through early and effective interventions, their complexity and high costs limit their use, particularly in underserved areas and outside hospital settings. This creates a pressing need for accessible, cost-effective solutions for diagnostics and treatment.
Presuna is a software platform designed to make point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) scans more accessible and affordable. It simplifies the interpretation of lung and Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) ultrasound scans by providing diagnostic support for healthcare professionals. By integrating with existing POCUS systems, Presuna enables community-based care, reduces reliance on acute care facilities, and facilitates earlier interventions for chronic and acute conditions.
Scan Acquisition: Community paramedics or healthcare professionals acquire ultrasound scans using Health Canada-approved POCUS systems, such as Lumify. Platform Integration: The scans are uploaded to the Presuna platform, which automatically notifies physicians for remote interpretation. Physician Review: Physicians can access and interpret the scans anytime, anywhere, using the platform to guide diagnostic decisions and recommend interventions. Skill Development: The platform supports clinicians in learning and integrating ultrasound interpretation into their workflow, broadening their diagnostic capabilities.
Get Involved
Contact to Collaborate
To collaborate or to help tell our story, please contact Michelle Grinman
Get in touch
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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.
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