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Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Neo App A digital health solution that educates, empowers, and connects parents of neonatal babies Lead Mary Brindle Co-lead Additional Contributors Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link THE CHALLENGE Families transitioning their babies from the NICU to home face overwhelming challenges due to limited post-discharge support, often feeling ill-equipped to manage their baby’s needs without immediate access to healthcare professionals. There is currently a gap between the intensive care available to neonates after surgery in the hospital and the minimal support available to parent caregivers after discharge, which is very stressful for parents to navigate. While NICU discharge typically includes basic in-hospital education and printed resources, these materials can be difficult to retain, generalized rather than personalized, and are often inadequate in addressing the diverse needs and concerns of families in this high-stress period (McNeil, 2023). According to Dr. Deborah McNeil of AHS’ Maternal, Newborn, Child and Youth Strategic Clinical Network, caring for a preterm baby both in-hospital and at home “requires extensive support over time” (Alberta Health Services, 2023). In Alberta, NICUs are currently operating at 95-103% capacity, which makes it challenging for staff to allocate the necessary time to prepare each family fully for discharge (Lee, 2024). This gap in support often leads to increased parental anxiety, confusion, and even isolation, which in turn can contribute to a higher likelihood of emergency room visits after discharge. Studies indicate that comprehensive discharge support can reduce emergency visits by up to 26% (Alberta Health Services, 2023). Without effective guidance, parents may struggle with crucial health-related activities, such as feeding, tracking weight gain, or recognizing early warning signs, often resorting to non-credible sources like internet searches or informal advice that can compromise infant health (Frey et al., 2022). For rural families, who may be further isolated from specialized healthcare, this need for reliable, accessible information is even more pressing. Without support, parents may delay care due to uncertainty or seek emergency services for questions better suited to primary care (Hannan et al., 2020). In a healthcare system already stretched thin, these unnecessary visits increase costs, wait times, and healthcare provider burnout, with nearly half of all pediatric readmissions involving infants less than one year old, and costs per readmission reaching $5,087 to $11,341 USD (Hannan et al., 2020). THE CHALLENGE Families transitioning their babies from the NICU to home face overwhelming challenges due to limited post-discharge support, often feeling ill-equipped to manage their baby’s needs without immediate access to healthcare professionals. There is currently a gap between the intensive care available to neonates after surgery in the hospital and the minimal support available to parent caregivers after discharge, which is very stressful for parents to navigate. While NICU discharge typically includes basic in-hospital education and printed resources, these materials can be difficult to retain, generalized rather than personalized, and are often inadequate in addressing the diverse needs and concerns of families in this high-stress period (McNeil, 2023). According to Dr. Deborah McNeil of AHS’ Maternal, Newborn, Child and Youth Strategic Clinical Network, caring for a preterm baby both in-hospital and at home “requires extensive support over time” (Alberta Health Services, 2023). In Alberta, NICUs are currently operating at 95-103% capacity, which makes it challenging for staff to allocate the necessary time to prepare each family fully for discharge (Lee, 2024). This gap in support often leads to increased parental anxiety, confusion, and even isolation, which in turn can contribute to a higher likelihood of emergency room visits after discharge. Studies indicate that comprehensive discharge support can reduce emergency visits by up to 26% (Alberta Health Services, 2023). Without effective guidance, parents may struggle with crucial health-related activities, such as feeding, tracking weight gain, or recognizing early warning signs, often resorting to non-credible sources like internet searches or informal advice that can compromise infant health (Frey et al., 2022). For rural families, who may be further isolated from specialized healthcare, this need for reliable, accessible information is even more pressing. Without support, parents may delay care due to uncertainty or seek emergency services for questions better suited to primary care (Hannan et al., 2020). In a healthcare system already stretched thin, these unnecessary visits increase costs, wait times, and healthcare provider burnout, with nearly half of all pediatric readmissions involving infants less than one year old, and costs per readmission reaching $5,087 to $11,341 USD (Hannan et al., 2020). THE INNOVATION Innovation Overview Heading HOW IT WORKS HOW IT WORKS [How It Works Summary] Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet metus sed lorem tincidunt pretium. Praesent ac gravida tellus. Nulla ut ex eget odio vehicula rutrum. Curabitur eleifend tortor nec orci placerat, vel tempus lacus euismod. Aliquam rhoncus vel libero vel semper. Suspendisse potenti. Cras hendrerit aliquet dui, vitae dapibus nisi congue vel. [Innovation Overview] This project focuses on understanding and addressing the technological acceptance barriers among older adults in Central Alberta. By comparing the usage and attitudes of those living independently, with partners, or in care facilities, the initiative identifies gaps and opportunities to design more inclusive, user-friendly digital health solutions. Surveys and in-depth interviews gather insights into older adults’ experiences with existing eHealth and mHealth platforms, with a focus on their potential for improving healthcare access and supporting healthy aging. [How It Works Summary] Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet metus sed lorem tincidunt pretium. Praesent ac gravida tellus. Nulla ut ex eget odio vehicula rutrum. Curabitur eleifend tortor nec orci placerat, vel tempus lacus euismod. Aliquam rhoncus vel libero vel semper. Suspendisse potenti. Cras hendrerit aliquet dui, vitae dapibus nisi congue vel. HOW IT WORKS [How It Works Summary] Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet metus sed lorem tincidunt pretium. Praesent ac gravida tellus. Nulla ut ex eget odio vehicula rutrum. Curabitur eleifend tortor nec orci placerat, vel tempus lacus euismod. Aliquam rhoncus vel libero vel semper. Suspendisse potenti. Cras hendrerit aliquet dui, vitae dapibus nisi congue vel. THE INNOVATION NeoApp is an innovative digital health solution, grounded in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles, created to guide parents through the complex journey of post-surgical recovery for NICU infants. It is the first ERAS-focused platform designed for neonatal populations and their parents at home, providing personalized support and education tailored to each baby’s surgical background, development stage, and ongoing health needs. HOW IT WORKS NeoApp offers a comprehensive suite of features, including: Personalized Educational Content: Parents receive tailored guidance based on their baby's surgery, developmental milestones, and health data. Data Collection & Predictive Analysis: Parents input health and behavioral data, which the app analyzes to help predict care needs and identify potential issues. Peer Support & Community Resources: NeoApp connects parents to a supportive network and local resources, helping reduce feelings of isolation. Daily Check-ins and Milestones: The app provides checklists and milestones to support parents’ daily routines, helping them feel reassured and informed at each stage of recovery. Other Known Cases: For adult colorectal surgery (and a few other specialities), SeamlessMD uses an ERAS-based app https://www.seamless.md . Further, there is another app called NICU2Home that focuses more wihtin NICU and discharge process for neonates that are premature, but not surgical neonates https://nicu2home.fsm.northwestern.edu THE BENEFITS For Users For parents: NeoApp offers personalized guidance and support, increasing confidence and reducing anxiety. The app empowers parents with knowledge specific to their baby’s needs, helping them monitor recovery, track milestones, and recognize signs of concern without relying on generic information or internet searches. By connecting with a community of parents facing similar challenges, they feel less isolated. The clear recovery pathway and milestones NeoApp offers make the transition from hospital to home smoother, providing peace of mind. For The System NeoApp has the potential to decrease avoidable emergency visits and readmissions by providing parents with timely, reliable support at home, which could lessen the load on already overburdened NICUs and emergency departments. Additionally, by reinforcing discharge education remotely, the app can streamline in-hospital discharge processes and save time for healthcare providers. NeoApp could also improve long-term patient satisfaction and outcomes, especially in areas with limited access to specialized care, supporting a more efficient and sustainable healthcare ecosystem. THE BENEFITS For Users For parents: NeoApp offers personalized guidance and support, increasing confidence and reducing anxiety. The app empowers parents with knowledge specific to their baby’s needs, helping them monitor recovery, track milestones, and recognize signs of concern without relying on generic information or internet searches. By connecting with a community of parents facing similar challenges, they feel less isolated. The clear recovery pathway and milestones NeoApp offers make the transition from hospital to home smoother, providing peace of mind. For The System NeoApp has the potential to decrease avoidable emergency visits and readmissions by providing parents with timely, reliable support at home, which could lessen the load on already overburdened NICUs and emergency departments. Additionally, by reinforcing discharge education remotely, the app can streamline in-hospital discharge processes and save time for healthcare providers. NeoApp could also improve long-term patient satisfaction and outcomes, especially in areas with limited access to specialized care, supporting a more efficient and sustainable healthcare ecosystem. Ready to Keep Exploring? If you’d like to learn more or connect about NeoApp , reach out to Mary Brindle, Project Lead , at: mailto:mbrindle@ariadnelabs.org 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.

Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link / Lead Co-lead Project Contributors Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link THE CHALLENGE THE INNOVATION Innovation Overview Heading HOW IT WORKS HOW IT WORKS [How It Works Summary] Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet metus sed lorem tincidunt pretium. Praesent ac gravida tellus. Nulla ut ex eget odio vehicula rutrum. Curabitur eleifend tortor nec orci placerat, vel tempus lacus euismod. Aliquam rhoncus vel libero vel semper. Suspendisse potenti. Cras hendrerit aliquet dui, vitae dapibus nisi congue vel. [Innovation Overview] This project focuses on understanding and addressing the technological acceptance barriers among older adults in Central Alberta. By comparing the usage and attitudes of those living independently, with partners, or in care facilities, the initiative identifies gaps and opportunities to design more inclusive, user-friendly digital health solutions. Surveys and in-depth interviews gather insights into older adults’ experiences with existing eHealth and mHealth platforms, with a focus on their potential for improving healthcare access and supporting healthy aging. [How It Works Summary] Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet metus sed lorem tincidunt pretium. Praesent ac gravida tellus. Nulla ut ex eget odio vehicula rutrum. Curabitur eleifend tortor nec orci placerat, vel tempus lacus euismod. Aliquam rhoncus vel libero vel semper. Suspendisse potenti. Cras hendrerit aliquet dui, vitae dapibus nisi congue vel. HOW IT WORKS [How It Works Summary] Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet metus sed lorem tincidunt pretium. Praesent ac gravida tellus. Nulla ut ex eget odio vehicula rutrum. Curabitur eleifend tortor nec orci placerat, vel tempus lacus euismod. Aliquam rhoncus vel libero vel semper. Suspendisse potenti. Cras hendrerit aliquet dui, vitae dapibus nisi congue vel. THE INNOVATION HOW IT WORKS THE BENEFITS For Users For The System Ready to Keep Exploring? 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.

Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link THEME # Title Goes Here [1-2 sentence summary of the project.] Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet metus sed lorem tincidunt pretium, praesent ac gravidas. Lead Name Surname Co-lead Name Surname Project Contributors Name Surname, Name Surname Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link THE CHALLENGE [Challenge Summary] 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 INNOVATION Innovation Overview Heading HOW IT WORKS HOW IT WORKS [How It Works Summary] Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet metus sed lorem tincidunt pretium. Praesent ac gravida tellus. Nulla ut ex eget odio vehicula rutrum. Curabitur eleifend tortor nec orci placerat, vel tempus lacus euismod. Aliquam rhoncus vel libero vel semper. Suspendisse potenti. Cras hendrerit aliquet dui, vitae dapibus nisi congue vel. [Innovation Overview] This project focuses on understanding and addressing the technological acceptance barriers among older adults in Central Alberta. By comparing the usage and attitudes of those living independently, with partners, or in care facilities, the initiative identifies gaps and opportunities to design more inclusive, user-friendly digital health solutions. Surveys and in-depth interviews gather insights into older adults’ experiences with existing eHealth and mHealth platforms, with a focus on their potential for improving healthcare access and supporting healthy aging. [How It Works Summary] Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet metus sed lorem tincidunt pretium. Praesent ac gravida tellus. Nulla ut ex eget odio vehicula rutrum. Curabitur eleifend tortor nec orci placerat, vel tempus lacus euismod. Aliquam rhoncus vel libero vel semper. Suspendisse potenti. Cras hendrerit aliquet dui, vitae dapibus nisi congue vel. HOW IT WORKS [How It Works Summary] Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet metus sed lorem tincidunt pretium. Praesent ac gravida tellus. Nulla ut ex eget odio vehicula rutrum. Curabitur eleifend tortor nec orci placerat, vel tempus lacus euismod. Aliquam rhoncus vel libero vel semper. Suspendisse potenti. Cras hendrerit aliquet dui, vitae dapibus nisi congue vel. THE INNOVATION [Innovation Overview] This project focuses on understanding and addressing the technological acceptance barriers among older adults in Central Alberta. By comparing the usage and attitudes of those living independently, with partners, or in care facilities, the initiative identifies gaps and opportunities to design more inclusive, user-friendly digital health solutions. Surveys and in-depth interviews gather insights into older adults’ experiences with existing eHealth and mHealth platforms, with a focus on their potential for improving healthcare access and supporting healthy aging. HOW IT WORKS [How It Works Summary] Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet metus sed lorem tincidunt pretium. Praesent ac gravida tellus. Nulla ut ex eget odio vehicula rutrum. Curabitur eleifend tortor nec orci placerat, vel tempus lacus euismod. Aliquam rhoncus vel libero vel semper. Suspendisse potenti. Cras hendrerit aliquet dui, vitae dapibus nisi congue vel. THE 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. Ready to Keep Exploring? If you’d like to learn more or connect about [Project Name] , reach out to [Full Name], Project Lead , at: contact@email.com 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.