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Meet our team, discover our partners, and learn about what we do. ABOUT US About Us Meet our team, discover our partners, and learn about what we do. OUR VISION Driving Health Innovation Across Alberta Our vision for Alberta is a vibrant eHealth and mHealth ecosystem that builds on a foundation of strength in innovation to drive economic and technological growth that positively transforms our health system. Reimagining Healthcare Through Digital Innovation Hear from Dr. Mary Brindle , Health Everywhere Hub Project Lead, as she introduces a bold vision for transforming Alberta's healthcare landscape. Dr. Brindle explains how the Hub is breaking down barriers that have slowed digital health innovation, creating a collaborative ecosystem where Alberta-made solutions can be designed, tested, and adopted both locally and globally. Our Vision Our vision for Alberta is a vibrant eHealth and mHealth ecosystem that builds on a foundation of strength in innovation to drive economic and technological growth and positive transform our health system. WHAT WE DO Collaborative Approach Supporting Innovation Promoting and Championing Ecosystem Sustainability Knowledge Sharing and Institutional Memory OUR TEAM Theme Leads Chad Saunders Integrated Innovation Ecosystem Support Lead View Theme View Bio Martin Ferguson-Pell Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Lead View Theme View Bio Mary Brindle Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Lead View Theme View Bio Matthew James Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead View Theme View Bio Neesh Pannu Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead View Theme View Bio Tyler Williamson Connectivity and Data Access Lead View Theme View Bio Tom Stelfox Oversight Committee Chair View Theme View Bio Oversight Committee Chair Tom Stelfox View Bio Integrated Innovation Ecosystem Support Lead Chad Saunders View Bio View Theme Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Lead Dr. Mary Brindle View Bio View Theme Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead Dr. Matthew James View Bio View Theme Oversight Committee Chair Dr. Tom Stelfox View Bio Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Lead Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell View Bio View Theme Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead Dr. Neesh Pannu View Bio View Theme Connectivity and Data Access Lead Tyler Williamson View Bio View Theme OUR TEAM Operations Communications Advisor Alex Baron View Bio W21C Leadership Representative Jill de Grood View Bio Administrative Coordinator Hailey Foss View Bio Hub Manager Shane Virani View Bio Hub Engagement and Evaluation Lead Kat Arnold View Bio Hub Engagement and Evaluation Designer Maggie Hui View Bio Operations Coordinator (University of Alberta) Emily Armstrong View Bio Communications Advisor Alex Baron View Bio Operations Coordinator Maryam Ali View Bio W21C Leadership Representative Jill de Grood View Bio Hub Manager Shane Virani View Bio OUR PARTNERS Health Everywhere Works With Leading Digital Innovators Uniting researchers, decision-makers, and digital health innovators to ensure seamless, inclusive, and scalable healthcare implementation in acute and community-based care settings. Academic Health System Organizations Indigenous Community Industry Non-Profit Organizations A hub for innovators, industry partners, innovation support partners, and healthcare providers and community LETS BRING ALBERTA TOGETHER 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).

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.

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.

Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Technology Acceptance Measuring Perceptions and Attitudes Towards eHealth and mHealth Technologies among Older Adults in Central Alberta Lead: Reiko Yeap Co-Lead: Greg Wells . INNOVATION STAGE Exploration Health Innovation Focus Health Promotion & Prevention Population and Setting Older adults, Rural and Remote, Central Alberta Technology and Intervention — BENEFITS For Users Enhanced Accessibility: Older adults gain access to specialized care and remote health monitoring without the need for extensive travel. Reduced Anxiety: User-friendly platforms designed for older adults improve confidence and ease of use. Support for Independent Living: Digital tools enable older adults to maintain health and well-being while aging in place. For The System Inclusive Technology Design: Insights help developers create healthcare platforms that better meet the needs of older adults. Improved Healthcare Access: Addressing adoption barriers leads to more widespread use of digital health tools, improving health outcomes for underserved populations. Enhanced Quality of Life: Reduced isolation and more efficient care delivery contribute to better overall health and well-being. Project Theme Information Current State Access to healthcare in Central Alberta presents significant challenges for older adults, particularly those living in rural or remote areas. Residents often need to travel to larger cities like Calgary or Edmonton for specialized care, leading to increased travel time, expenses, and prolonged wait times. Current digital health technologies, such as eHealth and mHealth platforms, are underutilized by older adults due to poor design, lack of user-friendly features, and limited awareness of their potential benefits. These barriers create difficulties in accessing timely care and supporting independent aging. 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 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. This project aims to bridge the gap between older adults and digital health technologies, fostering a future where virtual care supports healthy, independent aging in all communities. How it Works Data Collection: Conduct surveys and in-depth interviews with older adults to understand their perceptions, attitudes, and experiences with digital health technologies. Analysis of Barriers and Opportunities: Assess geographic, social, and technological factors affecting the adoption of eHealth and mHealth tools. Compare usage between older adults in care facilities, living independently, or with partners. Insight Development: Identify key design and implementation barriers, such as accessibility, usability, and awareness, to inform future development. Get Involved Explore Partnerships Support recruitment by reaching out to the researchers if you can help share survey information Get in touch reiko.yeap@rdpolytech.ca or gregory.wells@rdpolytech.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

Data Access and Connectivity Healthcare Data Sharing and Management: Implementation of Distributive Machine Learning Technology and Blockchain Technology What If Your Health Data Worked For You? Lead Steve Drew Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link Data Access and Connectivity Healthcare Data Sharing and Management: Implementation of Distributive Machine Learning Technology and Blockchain Technology What If Your Health Data Worked For You? Lead Steve Drew Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link THE CHALLENGE Patients currently have limited control over their own health data, relying on Alberta Health Services to manage and protect it. Centralized storage of sensitive information heightens the risk of breaches and cyberattacks, while siloed systems restrict access and hinder collaborative research that could advance population health. Many patients are also concerned about how their data is used or shared without explicit consent, reinforcing the need for more secure, transparent, and patient-centered data management solutions. THE CHALLENGE Patients currently have limited control over their own health data, relying on Alberta Health Services to manage and protect it. Centralized storage of sensitive information heightens the risk of breaches and cyberattacks, while siloed systems restrict access and hinder collaborative research that could advance population health. Many patients are also concerned about how their data is used or shared without explicit consent, reinforcing the need for more secure, transparent, and patient-centered data management solutions. THE CHALLENGE Patients currently have limited control over their own health data, relying on Alberta Health Services to manage and protect it. Centralized storage of sensitive information heightens the risk of breaches and cyberattacks, while siloed systems restrict access and hinder collaborative research that could advance population health. Many patients are also concerned about how their data is used or shared without explicit consent, reinforcing the need for more secure, transparent, and patient-centered data management solutions. THE INNOVATION This concept explores alternate ways to store healthcare data, aimed at improving both data security and accessibility for collaborative research while addressing patient privacy and control over their information. THE INNOVATION This concept explores alternate ways to store healthcare data, aimed at improving both data security and accessibility for collaborative research while addressing patient privacy and control over their information. HOW IT WORKS This concept is in an exploratory phase, investigating ways to decentralize health data storage and improve secure access. It explores methods for sharing data that prioritize patient privacy and consent, giving patients greater control while enabling safer, more collaborative use of health information. HOW IT WORKS This concept is in an exploratory phase, investigating ways to decentralize health data storage and improve secure access. It explores methods for sharing data that prioritize patient privacy and consent, giving patients greater control while enabling safer, more collaborative use of health information. THE BENEFITS For Users For Patients: Increased control and autonomy over personal health data, fostering trust in healthcare practices. For Researchers: Improved access to healthcare data, enabling collaborative research and new insights into population health trends. For The System Enhanced Security: Decentralized data storage may reduce risks associated with centralized systems and lower vulnerability to cyber threats. Collaboration and Insights: Accessible, ethically-managed health data supports cross-institutional collaboration, leading to broader insights and advancements in healthcare. Increased Trust: Addressing patient privacy concerns and data transparency could help rebuild trust in healthcare data management practices. THE BENEFITS For Users For Patients: Increased control and autonomy over personal health data, fostering trust in healthcare practices. For Researchers: Improved access to healthcare data, enabling collaborative research and new insights into population health trends. For The System Enhanced Security: Decentralized data storage may reduce risks associated with centralized systems and lower vulnerability to cyber threats. Collaboration and Insights: Accessible, ethically-managed health data supports cross-institutional collaboration, leading to broader insights and advancements in healthcare. Increased Trust: Addressing patient privacy concerns and data transparency could help rebuild trust in healthcare data management practices. Explore Further If you’d like to learn more or connect about Healthcare Data Sharing and Management , reach out to Steve Drew, Project Lead , at: steve.drew@ucalgary.ca Get Involved Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet metus sed lorem tincidunt pretium. Learn More 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.

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Theme 4: Ecosystem Supports Identifying the mHealth and eHealth ecosystem building blocks — Lead: Chad Saunders Co-Leads: Philip Piercy, Taoting Li . INNOVATION STAGE Exploration Health Innovation Focus Health Technology Innovation & Commercialization Population and Setting Innovators and Support Providers Technology and Intervention — BENEFITS For Users A more efficient ecosystem for eHealth and mHealth innovation in Alberta will promote efficient use of resources (time, money, etc.) For The System A thriving innovation ecosystem will support the uptake and adoption of digital health care technologies into practice Project Theme Information Current State Effectively supporting innovators/entrepreneurs requires several challenging steps: identifying the resources available, determining what each innovator needs, matching local resources and innovators to meet those needs, and helping source any gaps 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 This project aims to help innovators better identify support providers in the ecosystem, select support providers to work with and ultimately access the support they need quicker and more cost-effectively. How it Works The study team has completed over 300 interviews with entreprenaurs in Alberta to better understand factors such as the interplay between the entrepreneur and the support advisor in determining whether the entrepreneur receives the support they need. the dynamic capabilities of intermediaries in facilitating addressing challenges. and barrier especially present for Intersectional entrepreneurs (e.g., women, Indigenous, immigrants) who face multiple sources of discrimination which in the context of entrepreneurial ecosystems leads to differential support being offered or provided. Get Involved Contact to Collaborate Contact Chad Saunders to collaborate Get in touch wsaunder@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

News UCalgary-based program expands province-wide in supporting digital health researchers Date We envision a vibrant eHealth and mHealth ecosystem, accelerating innovation, growth, and transforming healthcare through collaboration and partnerships. September 11, 2023 | Alex Baron, W21C Research and Innovation Centre For the first time, researchers in digital health from Alberta post-secondary institutions will all share access to expert support in translating research innovation into improved care for citizens through an expansion of the newly renamed SPARK Alberta program. The boost is thanks to a new grant from Alberta Innovates. Launched in 2020 as SPARK Calgary, the program has been providing expert advice, education and ecosystem connections for evidence-based digital health innovations in Calgary for the last three years. Based out of the University of Calgary’s W21C Research and Innovation Centre, the program recruited its fourth cohort in spring 2023 and has worked with more than 70 faculty and researchers supporting 14 projects. The SPARK model originated from Stanford University in 2006 with the aim of advancing research discoveries from academia to the health-care system. Now a global network of more than 60 academic institutions across six continents, SPARK Alberta represents the only active SPARK site in Canada. Earlier this year, SPARK Alberta was awarded a grant by Alberta Innovates’ Ecosystem Development Partnerships Program. With this grant, SPARK will leverage its previous success in Calgary and expand the program provincially, further establishing Alberta’s reputation as a province with strong digital health innovation. “This grant will allow us to offer our resources and expertise to faculty and researchers developing innovations from post-secondary institutions from across the province,” says Dr. Scott Kraft, MD, director of SPARK Alberta and clinical associate professor in the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM). “Our aim is to form a central network, linking and co-ordinating digital health innovation across Alberta’s post-secondary institutions.” SPARK graduates have impact The Calgary Pediatric Brain-Computer Interface Program (BCI4Kids) plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenges currently faced by thousands of Canadian children with neurological disabilities. These disabilities often hinder their ability to fully engage in daily life and exercise their fundamental rights to interact with the world. Operating out of the Alberta Children’s Hospital and affiliated with the CSM, the BCI4Kids program is led by Dr. Adam Kirton, MSc’96, MD, a CSM professor and technology solutions research lead for One Child Every Child, a UCalgary research initiative with a vision for all children to be healthy, empowered and thriving. BCI4Kids focuses on cutting-edge brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to provide children suffering from severe neurological disabilities with an avenue to achieve greater independence and an improved quality of life. From the BCI4Kids program came a commercial venture called Possibility Neurotechnologies. Incorporated in October 2022, Possibility Neurotechnologies is dedicated to integrating BCI technology into everyday life, enabling those with severe physical disabilities to interact and communicate in transformative ways. In March 2023, the research team successfully graduated from the SPARK program. Its flagship product, Think2Switch, allows individuals to control household electronic devices using only their thoughts. By creating user-friendly and accessible technology, the team aims to enhance independence and quality of life, making previously unimaginable interactions possible for those in need. “Participating in the SPARK program has been an invaluable experience for Possibility Neurotechnologies,” says Dr. Dion Kelly, MBT’18, PhD’23, co-founder and CEO of Possibility Neurotechnologies and clinical neuroscientist at BCI4Kids. “The monthly check-ins served as crucial touchpoints, compelling us to regularly evaluate our progress and address setbacks head-on.” Since joining the SPARK program, Possibility Neurotechnologies has achieved significant growth, including being accepted into the Remarkable Accelerator Program, receiving an equity investment from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, and showcasing its Think2Switch technology at international events. With a growing mailing list and a lineup of prospective customers, the team is preparing for a limited market release in Q1 2024. Image Source: SPARK Team Project Contact- Alex Baron, W21C Research and Innovation Centre

Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Enhancing Recovery After Surgery Date We envision a vibrant eHealth and mHealth ecosystem, accelerating innovation, growth, and transforming healthcare through collaboration and partnerships. January 9, 2024 | Alex Baron As we age it can take longer for our bodies to heal from trauma. As many as 40% of patients that undergo surgery will have major complications that lead to long-term health problems, such as heart disease or stroke. This is especially true for adults over the age of 65 following a major surgery, with many experiencing difficulties in returning to their pre-operation levels of function. Led by Dr. Duminda Wijeysundera, MD, at the University of Toronto, the Functional Improvement Trajectories After Surgery (FIT After Surgery) study aims to gain a better understanding of how often and why some patients experience significant disability after surgery. As one of 14 study sites across Canada, W21C is currently working with the Calgary site lead, Dr. Melinda Davis, MD, director of Master Teaching Program, clinical associate professor, Cumming School of Medicine, on recruitment efforts at the Foothills Medical Centre, actively engaging with patients prior to their surgery. Patient recruitment for the Calgary site began in July 2021 and is ongoing. Researchers are excited about the possibilities this work could reveal, especially as Canada’s population continues to age and the likelihood of more seniors needing major surgery every year is increasing. Having a better understanding of when and why patients experience disability after surgery will enable patients to make better-informed decisions about having surgery and allow physicians to identify patients that may need additional support following surgery. Overall recruitment and follow up for the study is expected to finish in 2023, with preliminary results anticipated in early 2024. By capitalizing on W21C's capabilities in eHealth and mHealth technologies, fostering collaboration, and actively engaging communities, the Health Everywhere Hub is poised to play a pivotal role in improving seniors' recovery experiences post-major surgeries. Image Sources: Adobe Stock Project Contact- Alex Baron

Theme 3: Data Access and Connectivity Community-based health data research initiative — Lead: Tyler Williamson . . INNOVATION STAGE Exploration Health Innovation Focus Health Data Security, Accessibility & Interoperability Population and Setting — Technology and Intervention — BENEFITS For Users For Patients: Improved access to virtual care, enhanced continuity of care, and better health outcomes. For Providers: Simplified workflows, access to comprehensive patient data, and reduced administrative burden. For Administrators: Enhanced ability to deliver cost-effective, quality health programs and services. For The System System Efficiency: Improved data sharing and interoperability reduce duplication, errors, and delays in care delivery. Better Health Outcomes: A connected health data system supports more effective and informed clinical decision-making. Cost Reduction: Streamlined workflows and optimized virtual care lead to significant savings across the healthcare system. Stakeholder Collaboration: Collective Impact governance ensures sustained alignment of policy, technology, and workflows across the health sector. Project Theme Information Current State The healthcare sector in Alberta is increasingly relying on virtual care to deliver programs and services, but challenges in data access and interoperability limit its effectiveness. Health information systems often operate in silos, creating barriers to seamless communication between healthcare providers and systems. These issues hinder the delivery of high-quality, efficient healthcare services and prevent patients from experiencing the full potential of virtual care. There is a critical need to align health data governance, policy, workflows, and technology to optimize care delivery, reduce costs, and improve health outcomes across Alberta. 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 Alberta Virtual Care Coordinating Body (AVCCB) is spearheading a series of initiatives to optimize the quality of health programs and services by addressing health data access and interoperability. The AVCCB uses a principle-based health data governance framework to promote better alignment of policy, technology, workflows, and regulations across the healthcare sector. Through a Collective Impact model, the AVCCB brings together stakeholders from across the health system to collaboratively set consensus policies and strategies, starting with virtual care and expanding to broader health data optimization. How it Works Advisory and Oversight: The AVCCB, composed of stakeholders across the health sector, advises and oversees projects that align with the principles of optimal health data governance. Collective Impact Framework: Using a shared authority model, the AVCCB collaborates with healthcare providers, administrators, and policy makers to set consensus approaches to health data design and use. Data Access and Interoperability: Projects focus on enhancing the integration of virtual care with broader health data systems by promoting interoperability and accessibility for all users. Policy and Workflow Alignment: Establish principles-based alignment of workflows, regulations, and technology to support scalable and sustainable virtual care services. Get Involved Explore Partnerships Contact Tyler Williamson to collaborate Get in touch tyler.williamson@ucalgary.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