Explore our four streams of support – from Health Systems and Non-Profits, to Industry Stakeholders, Innovation Support Providers, and Researchers or Educators. Get in touch today. Health Everywhere Works With Leading Digital Innovators GET INVOLVED GET INVOLVED Health Everywhere Works with Leading Innovators Meet our team, discover our partners, and learn about what we do. Health Systems and Non-Profits  Access to leading experts to solve digital health challenges  Partnership on innovative digital health implementation projects  Development and mentorship opportunities  Collaboration and networking opportunities WHAT YOU GET  A leader or key stakeholder within a health service or public sector organization. WHO YOU ARE Health system partners such as primary care networks, community care organizations, and provincial and federal government ministries will be engaged in Health Everywhere projects. Their roles can range from adopters of promising technologies to priority, policy, and regulation advisors to potential networks to help the spread and scale of eHealth and mHealth technologies. OVERVIEW Contact Us Industry Stakeholders Contact Us  Partnership with health researchers and educators on priority digital health issues  Access to innovation and evaluation support services  Development and mentorship opportunities  Collaboration and networking opportunities WHAT YOU GET  A digital health industry leader or stakeholder ranging from an early-stage start-up to a large multi-national corporation WHO YOU ARE Health Everywhere will enable industry partners to gain valuable insight into evaluating and launching their eHealth and mHealth technologies in Alberta. Companies can be involved in a variety of ways, including as technology partners, fee-for-service clients accessing pre-clinical and clinical evaluation support, and mentors and advisors to other innovators. OVERVIEW Innovation Support Providers  Becoming part of an integrated referral and collaboration network  Receive event and activity promotion on Health Everywhere channels  Development and mentorship opportunities  Collaboration and networking opportunities WHAT YOU GET  A leader or key stakeholder within an innovation support organization. WHO YOU ARE Health Everywhere will strengthen relationships between ecosystem support partners to provide a more integrated network of referrals and collaboration opportunities to partners. Work with us to ensure that innovators are connecting with the right partners at the right time and ensure they do not fall through the cracks in the ecosystem. OVERVIEW Contact Us Researchers and Educators  Access to specialized programs and service  Supplemental resources for knowledge mobilization and commercialization activities  Development and mentorship opportunities  Collaboration and networking opportunities WHAT YOU GET  Academic researcher  Faculty Member  Student/trainee associated with an academic or research institution WHO YOU ARE Health Everywhere will actively engage researchers and educators involved in digital health innovation and research. Researchers and educators may serve multiple roles including principal investigators, advisors, content experts, and collaborators across various Health Everywhere projects. OVERVIEW Contact Us Streams of Support WORK WITH US Where innovation meets healthcare HEALTH EVERYWHERE Contact Us Land Acknowledgement The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).

Theme 1: Bridging Community and Acute Care PAUSE Preventing medication complications during AcUte illness through Symptom Evaluation and sick day guidance Lead: David Campbell (Lead) Co-Lead: Matt James Project Coordinator: Shania Liu INNOVATION STAGE Proof of Concept Health Innovation Focus Acute Illness & Injury Population and Setting Adults Technology and Intervention Data Modelling, Platform and Dashboard Visualization 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: By providing patients with accessible guidance, the app helps prevent avoidable ER visits due to improper medication use. Support for Health Innovation and Evaluation: Integrated decision-support features and mechanisms for pragmatic trials (e.g., e-recruitment, randomization) enable ongoing evaluation and refinement of the app in collaboration with Connect Care and AHS Research Services. Enhanced Chronic Disease Management: By empowering patients to manage medications more effectively, the app supports better long-term health outcomes, reducing strain on healthcare resources. Project Theme Information Current State 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. Other Known Use Cases Partnerships with Xsensor and Baxter are undergoing to evaluate the impact of eHealth tools on patient outcomes. The specific focus will be on two products: 1) Xsensor’s ForeSite® Intelligent Surface, an artificial intelligence-powered continuous skin monitoring... What is the Innovation The Pause app is a digital tool designed to help patients manage their medications safely during times of illness. By providing personalized, symptom-based guidance, the app instructs users on when to temporarily stop or restart medications, helping to prevent complications and suggesting when to seek medical advice. How it Works Family physicians introduce the app to patients when they are prescribed new medications, ensuring patients have access to a personalized resource if they become ill. Pharmacists can further support patients by discussing medication management during sickness and encouraging the use of the app. The app provides symptom-based instructions on medication management, along with alerts to seek medical care if needed. Get Involved Explore Collaborations Visit our website or email Shania Liu to explore collaboration opportunities Get in touch shania.liu@ualberta.ca Take a Closer Look Learn More 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. View The Portfolio 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. Previous Item Next Item

Alex Baron is the Communications Advisor at Health Everywhere. Alex graduated from the University of Alberta Augustana Campus in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts – English, and then completed a Bachelor of Arts – Communications from the University of Calgary in 2016. Alex Baron graduated from the University of Alberta Augustana Campus in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts – English, and then completed a Bachelor of Arts – Communications from the University of Calgary in 2016. In his career, Alex has had the opportunity to work in some truly unique places, allowing him to pursue his two key interests – creating memorable guest experiences and telling great stories . This includes working at the Walt Disney World Resort, Heritage Park Historical Village, and the University of Calgary. His interests outside of work include travel and photography. Communications Advisor Alex Baron  alex.baron@ucalgary.ca NEXT OPERATIONS MEMBER SEE THEME LEADS alex.baron@ucalgary.ca Alex Baron Communications Advisor Alex Baron graduated from the University of Alberta Augustana Campus in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts – English, and then completed a Bachelor of Arts – Communications from the University of Calgary in 2016. In his career, Alex has had the opportunity to work in some truly unique places, allowing him to pursue his two key interests – creating memorable guest experiences and telling great stories. This includes working at the Walt Disney World Resort, Heritage Park Historical Village, and the University of Calgary. His interests outside of work include travel and photography.

We envision a vibrant eHealth and mHealth ecosystem, accelerating innovation, growth, and transforming healthcare through collaboration and partnerships. THEME 1: BRIDGING COMMUNITY AND ACUTE CARE Date Advancing eHealth Innovation to Enable Intelligent Patient Monitoring January 2024 Prevention of pressure injuries (PIs) is a priority for healthcare systems worldwide. Also referred to as pressure ulcers or bedsores, this condition is a skin and soft tissue injury that forms because of constant or prolonged pressure on the skin, typically occurring at bony areas on the body. Most prevalent in healthcare settings where the patient is unable to move frequently enough to relieve the pressure, PIs are painful for the patient and can lead to a deterioration in health, increased hospital stays, and even death. To address this issue, W21C partnered with XSENSOR Technology Corporation, a Calgary-based company that designs, manufactures, and sells advanced pressure-imaging systems for use in medical environments worldwide. With support from W21C’s research team, this led to the creation of a novel pressure sensing device - the ForeSite PT™ System. In late 2007, an opportunity arose for W21C to partner with XSENSOR in the development and testing of a health innovation. The main objectives of this initiative were to better understand the potential of innovative technology to support healthcare providers in caring for patients at risk of pressure injuries. W21C’s initial role was to collect and analyze focus group feedback from physicians, nurses, nursing assistants, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and pressure mapping experts. Over time this progressed to usability testing of a protype device in a simulated Intensive Care Unit. Each phase of W21C research was followed by a design cycle at XSENSOR that consisted of research on every aspect of the system, including overall architecture, transducer design, sensing electronics, software, mechanical design, and packaging. Through funding provided by Alberta Innovates ‘Accelerating Innovations into Care’ program, XSENSOR once again, approached W21C in 2023 to support the evaluation and impact on workflow of an updated system (referred to as ForeSite IS) in acute and long-term care, and to evaluate the device’s ability to predict skin breakdown of patients at elevated risk of PIs. This study is currently under way at Foothills Medical Centre and throughout several long-term care sites in the Calgary area. To learn more about this project and its commercial capabilities, please visit XSENSOR’s website . Image Sources: Adobe Stock (top), XSENSOR.com (middle) Pamela Hyde, Office of the Vice-President (Research)

Home / Research Themes / Bridging Community and Acute Care / Bridging Community and Acute Care This research theme brings together researchers, decision-makers, and digital health innovators to ensure seamless, inclusive, and scalable healthcare implementation in acute and community-based care settings. Key Areas of Focus Our work targets critical areas where digital innovation can improve how care is delivered, coordinated, and experienced across the system 01. Focus Area 02. Focus Area 03. Focus Area FEATURED PROJECTS Storyboards From the 2024 Innovation Gallery Explore featured storyboards that bring to life the real-world challenges, bold ideas, and digital health innovations shaping the future of care in Alberta. Improve CV Care Patients and physicians currently face challenges in effectively discussing non-physiological factors that impact cardiovascular health—such as mental health, support systems, and medication affordability—within the limited time available in appointments. This lack of structure can lead to tunnel vision, where only immediate physiological symptoms are prioritized, leaving other crucial aspects unaddressed. Learn More The Integrated Care Pathway In Canada, adults with multiple chronic conditions represent 30% of healthcare spending, with frequent and costly readmissions emphasizing the need for models that reduce hospital dependency and enhance care continuity. The Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) aims to improve care management and continuity of care for complex inpatients in the Calgary Zone by redesigning existing roles. This project is endorsed by AHS as part of the Acute Care Bundle Improvement initiative and is modelled after UHN's Connect Care model, with the evaluation led by Dr. Karen Okrainec. Learn More PAUSE: Preventing medication complications during AcUte illness through Symptom Evaluation and sick day guidance The PAUSE app is a digital tool designed to help patients manage their medications safely during times of illness. By providing personalized, symptom-based guidance, the app instructs users on when to temporarily stop or restart medications, helping to prevent complications. Many corporate pharmacies now offer digital apps for accessing prescriptions, which creates new opportunities for providers across Alberta. The PAUSE team is developing an app that integrates with the industry, aiming to bring innovative self-management tools to the community. Learn More Pressure Wound Staging App An audit of Alberta’s acute care sites revealed that about one in six patients had a hospital-acquired pressure injury. These injuries cause painful, rapidly progressing sores that can lead to severe complications and even death. Pressure injuries are seen as an important indicator of healthcare quality. A high number of these injuries may indicate systemic problems with how care is being provided. Accurate staging and assessments are crucial in wound care as they ensure the right treatment plan is applied, which is vital for effective healing and avoiding further complications. Learn More Presuna: Empowering Remote Point-of-Care Ultrasound Imaging Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a portable, non-invasive tool that offers real-time imaging. This, along with its ease of use, is expected to play a vital role in home-based care and remote locations. Advancements in handheld technology have enabled POCUS to integrate into programs like Hospital at Home, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses in patient homes. Presuna, a cloud-based software, enhances POCUS by enabling clinicians to send and interpret ultrasound images remotely. It facilitates remote assessments and improves decision-making for conditions like CHF and COPD in home-based care settings. Beyond clinical use, it acts as an educational tool, tracking training progress to help physicians monitor provider skill development. Learn More UPTAKE Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) causes long-term complications like cardiovascular issues and hospital readmissions. Rapidly developing and often under-managed, AKI poses risks when follow-up care is lacking. Many patients leave the hospital unaware of their condition or next steps. The UPTAKE platform (Using Personalized risk and digital tools for Transitions in care after Acute Kidney Events) delivers tailored after-visit summaries with AKI-specific information, follow-up instructions, and guidance, improving care continuity and empowering patients. Learn More THEME PROJECTS Our Projects Learn More APPROACH Learn More Pressure Wound Staging App Learn More IMPROVE CV Care Learn More UPTAKE Learn More Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) Evaluation Learn More UPTAKE VC Learn More PAUSE MyHeartandCKD IMPROVE CV Care Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) Evaluation PAUSE Pressure Wound Staging App (Coming Soon) UPTAKE UPTAKE VC Theme Leads Matthew James Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead View Bio Neesh Pannu Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead View Bio Our Research Themes Bridging Community and Acute Care Like Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Like Connectivity and Data Access Like Integrative Innovation Ecosystem Support Like View other projects and explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are transforming care across the province. View Portfolio 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.

Back Research May 1, 2025 | 8 min read  Health Everywhere Team Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link Health Everywhere: Advancing digital health in Alberta At a glance Health Everywhere is a new Alberta-based hub launched by W21C to accelerate digital health innovation with focus on virtual care, health data access, community acute care integration, and ecosystem growth. Funded by the Major Innovation Fund, it connects researchers, healthcare providers, and tech partners across the province. The Hub drives real-world healthcare impact, and over the past year has focused on multi-institution collaboration and over 3 outreach events.  Health Everywhere Team Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link paragraph Digital technologies have revolutionized industries like tourism and transportation, and healthcare is undergoing a similar transformation. Digital health innovation is reshaping how care is delivered. In Alberta, there are several pockets of excellence in digital health, featuring highly innovative but largely disconnected programs, research, and advancements. Over the past year, W21C has focused on addressing this issue by creating the Health Everywhere Hub, an initiative aimed at advancing innovation in digital health in Alberta. This hub serves as a central point for connecting innovators, healthcare partners, researchers, and investors. Funded by the Government of Alberta’s Major Innovation Fund, the Health Everywhere Hub has been pivotal in driving forward these efforts. Health Everywhere officially launched on January 23, 2024, as part of this year’s Dr. Mamoru ‘Mo’ Watanabe Lectureship. Subtitled ‘Digital Health Today and Tomorrow’, and hosted by W21C, this annual lectureship acted as Health Everywhere’s inaugural showcase. Over 100 guests attended while various speakers shared their thoughts on digital health including five of Health Everywhere’s lead researchers. This highly successful event acted as a great start in showcasing Health Everywhere to the local digital health community. Community engagement Community engagement is an essential component for Health Everywhere as it ensures that the solutions developed are aligned with the real needs of patients and healthcare providers. By involving the community, the hub fosters trust, collaboration, and the co-creation of technologies that can have a meaningful impact on healthcare access and delivery. Throughout the year the Health Everywhere team continued to be actively engaged in external outreach to continue to raise awareness of the Hub and the digital health initiatives being conducted across the province. Overall, the team participated in 30 events, ranging from academic and industry conferences to charity golf tournaments in rural communities, educational summits, and patient advisory committees. Current projects snapshot Health Everywhere is committed to driving provincial initiatives that enhance research excellence and foster innovative capacity. The Hub has facilitated provincial collaboration, with projects underway involving multiple institutions, including the University of Calgary, University of Alberta, Mount Royal University, SAIT, MacEwan University, Athabasca University, Lethbridge College, and Red Deer Polytechnic. Bridging community and acute care Led by Led by Dr. Matthew James, MD, PhD, from the University of Calgary and Dr. Neesh Pannu, MD, from the University of Alberta, this theme works to unite researchers, decision-makers, and digital health innovators to ensure seamless, inclusive, and scalable healthcare implementation in acute and community-based care settings. An example theme one project is led by James and involves the development of a streamlined survey and reporting tool designed to improve communication between cardiovascular patients and physicians. It collects and summarizes relevant health factors, promoting personalized, patient-centered care that considers a fuller picture of the patient’s well-being. Remote monitoring and virtual care While digital technology has advanced rapidly, uptake into healthcare remains limited. Led by Dr. Mary Brindle, MD, from the University of Calgary and Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell, MD, from the University of Alberta, this theme builds a foundation for testing and scaling virtual and mobile health innovations for virtual care delivery. One project within the theme is led by Ferguson-Pell and has spearheaded the development and implementation of virtual assessment protocols for pelvic floor exercise programs and upper extremity stroke spasticity assessments. These advancements can lead to better management and treatment of conditions that significantly impact the quality of life for many Albertans. Connectivity and data access Health data can save lives—but only when it’s accessible. Led by Dr. Tyler Williamson, PhD, from the University of Calgary, this theme seeks to establish secure and seamless data access and interoperability for improved healthcare. A significant achievement thus far has been the “Interoperability Saves Lives” report, released in October 2023. Co-authored by theme lead Williamson and theme members Dr. Ewan Affleck, MD, and Robbi Price, this report has already been sparking national conversations on the value of health data interoperability and was even referenced recently when Bill C-72 (Connected Care for Canadians Act) was introduced into Parliament. Integrated innovation ecosystem Led by Dr. Chad Saunders, PhD, from the University of Calgary, this theme supports the growth of a vibrant digital health ecosystem by connecting innovators with the people, infrastructure, and resources they need. As an example of this work, Saunders has been focused on bridging the gap between healthcare innovation and the broader ecosystem. His efforts are focused on understanding the barriers that prevent progress in the sector and finding ways to bring together key players to create a more integrated healthcare system. Future plans The hub team is focused on using a human-centered design approach to ensure projects taking place in the hub are actively engaging with the community they will impact, and that the overall hub itself is meeting the needs of those engaged. The aim is to foster trust within Alberta’s digital health community, as well as among the patients, providers, and systems that these digital innovations will affect. The Hub has made significant strides in fostering a cohesive digital health ecosystem in Alberta and is ready to adapt to new opportunities, reinforcing Alberta’s position as an ideal location for developing, implementing, and scaling digital health technologies. Featured Video See the full interview EXPLORE MORE ARTICLES Innovation Apr 30, 2026 | 2 min read Simulation, Systems, and the Future of Surgical Care Tara Klassen joins host Lisa George on the Advancing Healthcare Through Simulation Podcast to discuss why innovation in surgical care is about much more than introducing a new device or technology. Read More Innovation Apr 16, 2026 | 2 min read From Research to Real World: Dr. Mary Brindle on Surgical Innovation Health Everywhere Hub Project Lead, Mary Brindle, joins host Lisa George on the Advancing Healthcare Through Simulation podcast to discuss the concept of the Living Lab in healthcare. Read More Research May 1, 2025 | 8 min read Health Everywhere: Advancing digital health in Alberta Over the past year, W21C has focused on addressing how care is delivered by creating the Health Everywhere Hub, an initiative aimed at advancing innovation digital health in Alberta. Read More Community Mar 6, 2024 | 4 min read Health Everywhere launch event On Janurary 23, 2024, over 100 guests joined us as we held the Dr. Mamoru ‘Mo’ Watanabe Lectureship on Digital Health Today and Tomorrow. Read More Research Sep 11, 2023 | 4 min read UCalgary-based program expands province-wide in supporting digital health researchers SPARK program receives grant from Alberta Innovates, supporting post-secondary innovators across Alberta. Read More Innovation Sep 6, 2023 | 3 min read 3 UCalgary projects receive $20.3M in provincial innovation grants UCalgary’s innovation ecosystem just received a $20.3-million boost, thanks to Alberta’s Major Innovation Fund (MIF). Read More Back to News Featured Video See the full interview EXPLORE MORE ARTICLES Innovation Apr 30, 2026 | 2 min read Simulation, Systems, and the Future of Surgical Care Tara Klassen joins host Lisa George on the Advancing Healthcare Through Simulation Podcast to discuss why innovation in surgical care is about much more than introducing a new device or technology. Read More Innovation Apr 16, 2026 | 2 min read From Research to Real World: Dr. Mary Brindle on Surgical Innovation Health Everywhere Hub Project Lead, Mary Brindle, joins host Lisa George on the Advancing Healthcare Through Simulation podcast to discuss the concept of the Living Lab in healthcare. Read More Research May 1, 2025 | 8 min read Health Everywhere: Advancing digital health in Alberta Over the past year, W21C has focused on addressing how care is delivered by creating the Health Everywhere Hub, an initiative aimed at advancing innovation digital health in Alberta. Read More Community Mar 6, 2024 | 4 min read Health Everywhere launch event On Janurary 23, 2024, over 100 guests joined us as we held the Dr. Mamoru ‘Mo’ Watanabe Lectureship on Digital Health Today and Tomorrow. Read More Research Sep 11, 2023 | 4 min read UCalgary-based program expands province-wide in supporting digital health researchers SPARK program receives grant from Alberta Innovates, supporting post-secondary innovators across Alberta. Read More Innovation Sep 6, 2023 | 3 min read 3 UCalgary projects receive $20.3M in provincial innovation grants UCalgary’s innovation ecosystem just received a $20.3-million boost, thanks to Alberta’s Major Innovation Fund (MIF). Read More Back to News

Our Theme Leads Chad Saunders is an Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary. Chad holds adjunct appointments with the Department of Community Health Sciences and the Department of Medicine at the Cumming School of Medicine. Chad received both a BSc (Applied Mathematics) and MBA from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a PhD (Management Information Systems) from the Haskayne School of Business. Chad also holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. His research interests focus on the support that entrepreneurs draw upon in starting and scaling their ventures, and addressing the barriers that innovation ecosystems pose by not necessarily providing equal or equitable support to all individuals, especially intersectional entrepreneurs (e.g., women, Indigenous, immigrants). His work is published in leading journals, including Journal of Medical Internet Research, BMC Health Services Research, Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, Journal of Business Venturing, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, Journal of Business Venturing Insights, and Research Policy. Integrated Innovation Ecosystem Support Lead Chad Saunders  wsaunder@ucalgary.ca Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell, a distinguished biomedical engineer and former Dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta, is a leader in the field of rehabilitation and biomedical research. As the co-director of the University of Alberta's Rehabilitation Robotics Laboratory and a Principal Investigator in the Smart Network, he spearheads the development of virtual reality systems for healthcare learning objects and biomechanics research . Beyond academia, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Peter Lougheed Leadership College and actively supports leadership skills and mentorship for students. Serving as the CEO of the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute, Dr. Ferguson-Pell utilizes clinical data to drive innovations in bone and joint health, collaborating with the Bone and Joint Health Strategic Clinical Network. His extensive credentials include being a Fellow of Rehabilitation Engineering Society of America, a Chartered Physicist, a Certified Clinical Scientist, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Notably, he co-founded Click&Push Accessibility Inc., a startup addressing barriers for individuals with mobility limitations, exemplifying his commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusivity. Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Lead Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell  fe4@ualberta.ca Dr. Mary Brindle is a distinguished pediatric surgeon and serves as the Director of The EQuIS (Efficiency Quality Innovation and Safety) Research platform at Alberta Children's Hospital. In this role, she leads a chair-supported program dedicated to addressing health system issues related to pediatric surgery , fostering innovation , and ensuring safety through international and national collaboration . Dr. Brindle is at the forefront of advancing medical practices, particularly as the leader of the international ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) neonatal abdominal surgery team and as the Secretary of the International ERAS Society. Additionally, she holds key roles as the Director of Safe Surgery and Safe Systems at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Scientific. Her extensive research, which has received funding from sources including CIHR, and NIH/AHRQ is presented globally, reflecting her commitment to advancing surgical care. Dr. Brindle's influence extends to her role as the Chair of the Canadian Association of Chairs of Surgical Research and the co-chair of the Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access Committee for the Canadian Association for Pediatric Surgery, emphasizing her dedication to shaping the future of surgery through a combination of implementation science and rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Lead Dr. Mary Brindle mbrindle@ariadnelabs.org Dr. Matthew James is a distinguished specialist in Nephrology, holding the position of Associate Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary. His research program is dedicated to patient-oriented research , with a specific focus on the development and implementation of risk prediction and clinical decision support tools aimed at enhancing the quality of care. Driven by a commitment to advancing healthcare, he also engages in pragmatic clinical trials centered around kidney and cardiovascular disease, contributing significantly to the ongoing evolution of medical practices in these critical areas. Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead Dr. Matthew James mjames@ucalgary.ca Dr. Neesh Pannu, a distinguished nephrologist and Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta, is a highly accomplished medical professional. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Alberta and furthered her training at Stanford University, culminating in a master's degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Harvard University. Dr. Pannu's research focuses on acute kidney injury , delving into aspects of diagnosis, management, and outcomes in this critical field. Actively engaged in impactful organizations such as the Alberta Kidney Disease Network (AKDN) and the Interdisciplinary Chronic Disease Collaboration (ICDC), she contributes significantly to advancements in nephrology. Beyond her research endeavors, Dr. Pannu holds key leadership positions as the co-Scientific Director of the Kidney Strategic Clinical Network and the assistant Dean of Clinical Research Platforms at the University of Alberta, showcasing her commitment to advancing healthcare and clinical research. Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead Dr. Neesh Pannu  npannu@ualberta.ca Tyler Williamson serves as the Director of the Centre for Health Informatics, previously holding the position of Associate Director. Simultaneously, he holds the role of Associate Professor of Biostatistics in the Department of Community Health Sciences and directs the Health Data Science and Biostatistics Diploma Program at the University of Calgary. Actively contributing to research, he is a member of the O'Brien Institute of Public Health and the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute. Dr. Williamson's academic journey includes earning a BSc in Statistics in 2005 and a PhD in Biostatistics in 2011, reflecting his commitment to advancing statistical methodologies in the realm of health research. In 2018, he was honored with the NAPCRG New Investigator Award for outstanding contributions as a new primary care investigator within the North American Primary Care Research Group, the largest primary care research organization globally. He is also a also a member of the Libin Cardiovascular institute and his research expertise lies in health data integration, chronic disease surveillance, and the utilization of electronic medical record data for public health surveillance and practice quality improvement . Recognized both nationally and internationally, he collaborates with esteemed organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada to solidify his impact on health services research and public health initiatives. Connectivity and Data Access Lead Tyler Williamson  tyler.williamson@ucalgary.ca Dr. Tom Stelfox is the inaugural Deputy Dean for the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta. He received his MD from the University of Alberta, completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Toronto, earned a Ph.D. in health care policy at Harvard University and did a critical care fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He served as joint clinical and academic chair of the Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services where he reorganized the delivery of physician patient care services. He is the past Scientific Director of the O’Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary where he established the Centre for Health Policy. His research focuses on the application of health-services research methods to improve the quality of health-care delivery to critically ill patients . Oversight Committee Chair Dr. Tom Stelfox  stelfoxt@ualberta.ca

Theme 1: Bridging Community and Acute Care Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) Evaluation A structured, team-based approach to discharge planning and post-discharge support. Lead: Michelle Grinman (Co-Principal Investigator) Project Lead: Karen Okrainec Collaborator: Sunita Chacko INNOVATION STAGE Implementation Integration Health Innovation Focus Chronic Disease; Health Promotion & Prevention Population and Setting Complex, frailty, vulnerable and/or elderly adults with or without co-morbidities Technology and Intervention — BENEFITS For Users Enhanced Support and Follow-Up: Patients receive ongoing guidance and assistance, improving their capacity to manage chronic conditions from home. Improved Continuity of Care: Structured follow-up and tailored care plans reduce disruptions in care, promoting better management of health at home and reducing readmissions. Greater Patient Autonomy: Patients are empowered to self-manage their conditions with accessible, ongoing support, enhancing their health outcomes and quality of life. For The System Reduced Length of Hospitalization, Readmission and ED visit Rates: By providing complex care planning upon admission and proactive post-discharge support, the ICP model aims to lower length of patient hospitalization, hospital readmissions and unnecessary ED visits, reducing associated healthcare costs. Improved Resource Efficiency: Effective discharge planning and case management alleviate strain on hospital resources, making care delivery more efficient. Long-Term Cost Savings: This proactive approach to managing complex cases reduces long-term expenses and supports the sustainability of healthcare services. Long-Term Cost Savings: This proactive approach to managing complex cases reduces long-term expenses and supports the sustainability of healthcare services. Project Theme Information Current State In Canada, adults with multiple chronic conditions frequently use healthcare services and experience poor health outcomes, with hospital admissions consuming 30% of healthcare spending. Readmissions are both common and costly, especially for vulnerable populations, underscoring the need for new models that promote continuity of care and reduce reliance on hospitals. Patients often experience fragmented care, moving between specialists and wards without consistent support, leading to repeated admissions and inadequate post-discharge care. Additionally, adults with multiple chronic conditions account for 30% of healthcare spending, with frequent, costly readmissions underscoring the need for models that reduce hospital reliance and promote better care continuity. The Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) aims to improve case management and continuity of care for complex inpatients in the Calgary Zone, thereby reducing length of hospitalization, risk of mortality and morbidity post-discharge, and ED visits and readmissions to hospital. Other Known Use Cases Partnerships with Xsensor and Baxter are undergoing to evaluate the impact of eHealth tools on patient outcomes. The specific focus will be on two products: 1) Xsensor’s ForeSite® Intelligent Surface, an artificial intelligence-powered continuous skin monitoring... What is the Innovation The Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) model is a structured, team-based approach to discharge planning and post-discharge support. It focuses on high-risk patients, providing continuity of care, intensive case management, and tailored support to help patients transition from hospital to home while managing their chronic conditions more effectively. Patients are anchored to an Integrated Care Lead (ICL) who quarterbacks complex discharge planning, centralizes communication between hospital and home, plans and connects patients to relevant home and community supports, and follows patients for up to 90 days post-discharge. With the acute post-discharge period retaining the highest risk of return to the ED, readmission, or rapid decompensation, the ICL regularly phones the patient for the first 1-2 weeks to rapidly medically pivot if necessary. Additionally, a 24/7 line in collaboration with HealthLink is available for patients for up to 90 days. How it Works The ICP model assigns a dedicated team member to support patients from their hospitalization through to post-discharge. This includes comprehensive discharge planning and community-based support for up to 90 days post-discharge, along with 24/7 phone support and personalized care plans documented in the electronic medical record (EMR) to ensure continuity. Other Known Cases: University Health Network in Toronto. University Health Network (UHN) adapted the successful pathway from this initiative to create the Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) (Appendix 1) in Toronto with the following services for >4000 individuals enrolled in the pathway since 2018: 1) Access to one care team: including connection to an Integrated Care lead during admission to hospital to create a complex transitional care plan that links with community services and primary care. 2) Access to one point of contact for support via a 24/7 phone line. 3) One shared electronic health record across acute care and home and community care. 4) Benefit from a flexible approach to funding that allows care to be personalized- this includes remote care monitoring and virtual care (where applicable). 5) Coordination of primary care, home and community-care and is supported by one funding source which follows the patient following discharge from hospital for up to 90 days (depending on patient need). Get Involved Contact Michelle To collaborate or to help tell our story, please contact Michelle Grinman Get in touch michelle.grinman@ucalgary.ca . 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. View The Portfolio 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. Previous Item Next Item

Key Areas of Focus Our work targets critical areas where digital innovation can improve how care is delivered, coordinated, and experienced across the system 01. Focus Area 02. Focus Area 03. Focus Area Home / Research Themes / Copy of Bridging Community and Acute Car / Bridging Community and Acute Care FEATURED PROJECTS Storyboards From the 2024 Innovation Gallery Explore featured storyboards that bring to life the real-world challenges, bold ideas, and digital health innovations shaping the future of care in Alberta. Improve CV Care Patients and physicians currently face challenges in effectively discussing non-physiological factors that impact cardiovascular health—such as mental health, support systems, and medication affordability—within the limited time available in appointments. This lack of structure can lead to tunnel vision, where only immediate physiological symptoms are prioritized, leaving other crucial aspects unaddressed. Learn More The Integrated Care Pathway In Canada, adults with multiple chronic conditions represent 30% of healthcare spending, with frequent and costly readmissions emphasizing the need for models that reduce hospital dependency and enhance care continuity. The Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) aims to improve care management and continuity of care for complex inpatients in the Calgary Zone by redesigning existing roles. This project is endorsed by AHS as part of the Acute Care Bundle Improvement initiative and is modelled after UHN's Connect Care model, with the evaluation led by Dr. Karen Okrainec. Learn More PAUSE: Preventing medication complications during AcUte illness through Symptom Evaluation and sick day guidance The PAUSE app is a digital tool designed to help patients manage their medications safely during times of illness. By providing personalized, symptom-based guidance, the app instructs users on when to temporarily stop or restart medications, helping to prevent complications. Many corporate pharmacies now offer digital apps for accessing prescriptions, which creates new opportunities for providers across Alberta. The PAUSE team is developing an app that integrates with the industry, aiming to bring innovative self-management tools to the community. Learn More Pressure Wound Staging App An audit of Alberta’s acute care sites revealed that about one in six patients had a hospital-acquired pressure injury. These injuries cause painful, rapidly progressing sores that can lead to severe complications and even death. Pressure injuries are seen as an important indicator of healthcare quality. A high number of these injuries may indicate systemic problems with how care is being provided. Accurate staging and assessments are crucial in wound care as they ensure the right treatment plan is applied, which is vital for effective healing and avoiding further complications. Learn More Presuna: Empowering Remote Point-of-Care Ultrasound Imaging Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a portable, non-invasive tool that offers real-time imaging. This, along with its ease of use, is expected to play a vital role in home-based care and remote locations. Advancements in handheld technology have enabled POCUS to integrate into programs like Hospital at Home, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses in patient homes. Presuna, a cloud-based software, enhances POCUS by enabling clinicians to send and interpret ultrasound images remotely. It facilitates remote assessments and improves decision-making for conditions like CHF and COPD in home-based care settings. Beyond clinical use, it acts as an educational tool, tracking training progress to help physicians monitor provider skill development. Learn More UPTAKE Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) causes long-term complications like cardiovascular issues and hospital readmissions. Rapidly developing and often under-managed, AKI poses risks when follow-up care is lacking. Many patients leave the hospital unaware of their condition or next steps. The UPTAKE platform (Using Personalized risk and digital tools for Transitions in care after Acute Kidney Events) delivers tailored after-visit summaries with AKI-specific information, follow-up instructions, and guidance, improving care continuity and empowering patients. Learn More This research theme brings together researchers, decision-makers, and digital health innovators to ensure seamless, inclusive, and scalable healthcare implementation in acute and community-based care settings. Improve CV Care Patients and physicians currently face challenges in effectively discussing non-physiological factors that impact cardiovascular health—such as mental health, support systems, and medication affordability—within the limited time available in appointments. This lack of structure can lead to tunnel vision, where only immediate physiological symptoms are prioritized, leaving other crucial aspects unaddressed. Shop Now Project Storyboards Explore featured storyboards from the 2024 Innovation Gallery, that bring to life the real-world challenges, bold ideas, and digital health innovations shaping the future of care in Alberta. Improve CV Care Patients and physicians currently face challenges in effectively discussing non-physiological factors that impact cardiovascular health—such as mental health, support systems, and medication affordability—within the limited time available in appointments. This lack of structure can lead to tunnel vision, where only immediate physiological symptoms are prioritized, leaving other crucial aspects unaddressed. Learn More APPROACH Learn More Pressure Wound Staging App Learn More IMPROVE CV Care Learn More UPTAKE Learn More Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) Evaluation Learn More UPTAKE VC Learn More PAUSE THEME ONE Our Projects MyHeartandCKD IMPROVE CV Care Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) Evaluation PAUSE Pressure Wound Staging App (Coming Soon) UPTAKE UPTAKE VC Theme Leads Matthew James Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead View Bio Neesh Pannu Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead View Bio Our Research Themes Bridging Community and Acute Care Like Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Like Connectivity and Data Access Like Integrative Innovation Ecosystem Support Like View other projects and explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are transforming care across the province. View Portfolio 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.

Hailey has a degree in web development from InnoTech College. She previously worked for an orthotics and prosthetic company, working in several roles that included rebuilding and managing the company website. She has also worked as a contract web developer, photographer, and videographer. In her downtime, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, working on various video and photo projects, and writing fiction. Hailey has a degree in web development from InnoTech College. She previously worked for an orthotics and prosthetic company, working in several roles that included rebuilding and managing the company website. She has also worked as a contract web developer, photographer, and videographer. In her downtime, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, working on various video and photo projects, and writing fiction. Administrative Coordinator Hailey Foss  hailey.foss@ucalgary.ca PREVIOUS OPERATIONS MEMBER NEXT OPERATIONS MEMBER