Theme 1: Bridging Community and Acute Care
UPTAKE VC
Using Personalized risk and digital tools for Transitions in care after Acute Kidney Events and Virtual Care
Lead:
Matthew James
Co-Lead:
Neesh Pannu
Senior Project Coordinator:
Nusrat Shonmu
INNOVATION STAGE
Implementation Integration
Health Innovation Focus
Chronic Disease
Population and Setting
Adults
Technology and Intervention
Wearable Technology, Imaging & Biosensors; Digital Communication
BENEFITS
For Users
Receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own home, enhancing recovery and independence. Benefit from regular monitoring and timely interventions, reducing the likelihood of long-term complications from AKI. Gain personalized guidance on managing AKI and other health conditions through virtual and in-person support. Improve adherence to follow-up care and treatment plans with ongoing, proactive support. Experience enhanced engagement and empowerment in managing their health during recovery.
For The System
Reduces hospital readmissions, leading to significant cost savings. Frees up hospital resources, allowing for more efficient use of care facilities. Demonstrates a commitment to innovative, patient-centered, and decentralized care solutions. Advances the adoption of virtual healthcare technologies, supporting the broader shift toward value-based care. Pioneers a scalable home-care model that can be adapted to manage other chronic conditions, contributing to the evolution of the healthcare system.
Project Theme Information
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a serious health condition that can cause long-term complications, including cardiovascular issues and frequent hospitalizations. Often identified through blood biomarkers, AKI can develop rapidly, and if unmanaged, may lead to lasting health issues. A major gap exists in the continuity of care from hospital to home, as many patients remain unaware of their AKI status or lack follow-up guidance, raising their risk of severe, irreversible health complications.
The Virtual Home Hospital (VHH) program provides hospital-level care at home through virtual technology and scheduled in-person visits. Designed to ensure continuity of care, the VHH program supports patients, including those with AKI, by delivering tailored follow-up and monitoring services, enabling a seamless transition from hospital to home.
Patients enrolled in the VHH program are discharged with home-monitoring devices that allow the healthcare team to track key health indicators in real-time. Through virtual consultations and scheduled in-person visits, providers can closely monitor the patient’s AKI progression, promptly respond to any health changes, and adjust care plans as needed. This approach mirrors the care continuity of an AKI-specific after-visit summary, offering structure and guidance through a technology-enabled home care model.
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.