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

Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Peer Information and Mentorship Using Spatial Meetings Technologies — Lead: Martin Ferguson-Pell Team Members: Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Chester Ho, Brenda Kinnie, Matin Dokht Taghirad INNOVATION STAGE Evaluation of Prototype Health Innovation Focus Acute Illness & Injury Population and Setting Community Technology and Intervention Digital Communication BENEFITS For Users Less Isolation: Immersive virtual meetings help participants feel more connected to peers and reduce the sense of physical isolation. Practical Guidance: Participants gain valuable advice from others with lived experience, helping them navigate life in the community. Enhanced Engagement: Spatial meetings provide a more interactive and compelling experience compared to traditional video conferencing tools. For The System Improved Transitions: Participants experience a smoother, more effective transition to independent living, reducing the need for ongoing clinical or institutional support. Community Building: The program strengthens peer networks, creating a supportive environment for individuals with SCI. Scalable Solution: Spatial meeting technologies offer a novel, scalable approach to addressing the needs of people living in isolation, particularly in rural and remote areas. Project Theme Information Current State People living with spinal cord injuries (SCI), both traumatic and non-traumatic, often face significant challenges during the transition from acute rehabilitation to community life. Physical isolation, limited access to peer networks, and a lack of practical guidance can make this transition difficult, particularly for those in rural or remote areas. Traditional virtual meeting tools, such as Zoom, may not fully address the need for engaging and immersive peer interactions. 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 demonstrates the use of spatial meeting technologies to create immersive and engaging peer support networks for individuals with SCI. By comparing the merits of spatial meetings to traditional Zoom meetings, the project explores how virtual reality (VR) environments can foster meaningful connections and reduce isolation. The meetings are facilitated by experienced coordinators from SCI Alberta and focus on providing practical advice for successful community living. How it Works Virtual Reality Spatial Meetings: Participants use VR technologies to meet in immersive virtual spaces, enhancing engagement and interaction. Sessions are designed to simulate in-person peer meetings, providing a more compelling alternative to traditional virtual platforms like Zoom. Coordinated Peer Support: Experienced coordinators from SCI Alberta lead the meetings, fostering discussions around practical advice for community living. Topics include navigating daily challenges, accessing resources, and building independence. Comparative Evaluation: The project evaluates the relative merits of spatial meetings versus traditional Zoom meetings, assessing factors like participant engagement, effectiveness of peer advice, and reduction in isolation. Get Involved Contact to Collaborate Contact to Martin Ferguson-Pell to collaborate Get in touch fe4@ualberta.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

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

Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Intergenerational Pelvic Floor Exercise Programs — Lead: Martin Ferguson-Pell . . INNOVATION STAGE Proof of Concept Health Innovation Focus Mobility and Rehabilitation Population and Setting Postpartum; Older Adults; Rural and Remote Technology and Intervention Digital Communication BENEFITS For Users Improved Pelvic Health: Regular, guided exercises strengthen pelvic muscles and address issues like incontinence and pelvic pain. Convenient Access: Telerehabilitation provides easy access to care, removing travel barriers for women in rural areas. Personalized Care: The program can adapt to individual needs, offering tailored guidance for postpartum and post-menopausal recovery. Enhanced Community Engagement: Intergenerational programs encourage support and interaction among participants, building a sense of community. For The System Improved Health Outcomes: Access to early and ongoing pelvic floor care helps prevent complications, reducing long-term healthcare costs. Accessible Care Delivery: Telerehabilitation models extend healthcare reach to underserved areas. Innovative Research Opportunities: This project will generate valuable insights into the effectiveness of telerehabilitation for pelvic health, potentially informing broader applications. Project Theme Information Current State Women in rural and remote areas face considerable challenges in accessing pelvic floor rehabilitation services, leading to delayed or missed care. Although pelvic floor exercises are proven to be effective, only a small percentage of postpartum women receive early care, while older women often find their symptoms dismissed. 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 An initiative to transform pelvic floor health for women in rural and remote areas by exploring the impact of intergenerational versus monogenerational exercise programs through innovative telerehabilitation solutions. The project aims to improve health outcomes related to incontinence and to foster community engagement. How it Works In a series of projects, the University of Alberta team is creating virtual assessment protocols and rehabilitation programs. These programs offer guided pelvic floor exercises delivered through telerehabilitation, allowing participants to join from home. They are investigating intergenerational (multi-age) and monogenerational (single-age) formats to understand which structure offers the best support and outcomes. Other Known Cases: Digital workbooks have been designed to help recovering addicts Exercise videos have been implemented to to provide ongoing rehabilitative services to patients. Specific use cases include pelvic floor rehabilitation, upper extremity stroke spasticity, remote is chemic conditioning, and the Inverted Can Test. Get Involved Collaborate & Subscribe Email us to collaborate, share our story, subscribe to updates, or follow our latest projects and resources on social media Get in touch rehabrobotics@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

Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Neo App Personalized support and education for parents navigating the complex journey of post-surgical recovery for NICU infants Lead: Mary Brindle . . INNOVATION STAGE Evaluation of Prototype Health Innovation Focus Mobility and Rehabilitation Population and Setting Pediatrics; NICU; Caregiver Technology and Intervention Data Modelling, Platform and Dashboard Visualization 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. Project Theme Information Current State 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). 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 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 Get Involved To Learn More Email Mary Brindle to learn more Get in touch mbrindle@ariadnelabs.org 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

Theme 1: Bridging Community and Acute Care IMPROVE CV Care Individualized Monitoring of Patient Reported Outcome measures for Value and Effectiveness in CardioVasular Care Lead: Matthew James (Co-Lead ) Co-Lead: Stephen Wilton Project Coordinator: Maria Dalton INNOVATION STAGE Proof of Concept Health Innovation Focus Chronic Disease, Heart Disease Population and Setting Adult Technology and Intervention Data Modelling, Platform and Dashboard Visualization BENEFITS For Users For Patients: This tool encourages open dialogue about mental health and other non-physiological factors without stigma, helping patients feel heard and understood. For Physicians: It optimizes appointment time by collecting data in advance, allowing appointments to focus on actionable insights and personalized care. For The System Enhanced Personalization of Care: Physicians can address red flags more effectively, improving patient outcomes by targeting what matters most to each patient. Increased Efficiency: The tool reduces the need for lengthy discussions on background factors, streamlining clinical timelines and enabling more focused, impactful care. Project Theme Information Current State Patients and physicians face challenges in addressing non-physiological factors impacting cardiovascular health—such as mental health, social support, and medication affordability—within the limited time of an appointment. This often results in a narrow focus on immediate physiological symptoms, leaving other important aspects of health unaddressed. 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 intervention is 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. How it Works Before an appointment, patients complete a survey that includes mental health, social support, and self-care information, using validated instruments. This data is then used to generate a report for physicians, which flags significant changes and provides actionable insights. Physicians can review the report prior to or during appointments, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the patient’s health beyond immediate symptoms. Get Involved To Learn More To collaborate or learn more about the APPROACH project . 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

Theme 4: Ecosystem Supports Evaluation of GAITS platform in SPARK program . Lead: Jo-Louise Huq Co-Lead: Kathryn Arnold . INNOVATION STAGE Exploration Health Innovation Focus Health Technology Innovation & Commercialization Population and Setting Academic Innovators; Supporting Organizations (e.g., W21C); End-users and adopting organizations Technology and Intervention — BENEFITS For Users Platforms and tools such as GAITS could support a more integrated health innovation ecosystem by standardizing the innovation journey. The structured approach has the potential to accelerate the development, validation (testing) and potentially the adoption of new health technologies, ultimately benefiting healthcare providers and patients across Canada. By encouraging engagement and collaboration and providing a common language, the platform has the potential to help innovators and potential end-users and adopters engage early and often to provide feedback to accelerate the development, validation, and integration of new healthcare solutions. For The System — Project Theme Information Current State requires several challenging steps: identifying the resources available, determining what each innovator 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 GAITS (Guidance and Impact Tracking System) Platform is a secure, web-based project milestone and portfolio management platform. It takes a structured approach for tracking and advancing medical technology innovations. Developed in the US by CIMIT, GAITS provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for innovators to follow throughout their journey from concept to commercialization. How it Works GAITS offers innovators a clear and comprehensive roadmap, empowering them with a structured path that enhances autonomy and reduces the guesswork involved in med-tech innovation. It allows them to independently progress their solutions within the SPARK program and beyond, fostering a lifelong resource for managing and navigating the commercialization process. Benefit of the Platform to the Buyer Organization For Alberta Health Services (AHS), the platform provides a consistent framework that helps assess an innovation's readiness for real-world testing, supporting informed decision-making on which innovations to advance within AHS resources. By utilizing GAITS, AHS can streamline evaluations and focus on innovations that are mature enough for implementation in clinical settings. Get Involved Contact to Collaborate Contact Jo-Louise Huq to collaborate Get in touch jolouise.huq@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

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

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

Theme 1: Bridging Community and Acute Care Pressure Wound Staging App — Lead: Chester Ho . . 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 For healthcare providers, the AI app offers a reliable and consistent tool for pressure injury assessment, which minimizes subjective interpretation and the potential for staging inaccuracies. By reducing the pressure on nurses to perform manual evaluations, the app empowers providers with specialized insights and enhances their confidence in assessment accuracy. Remote consultation capabilities also improve access to specialist input, especially in settings with limited wound care expertise. For The System For the healthcare system, the app can lead to more efficient wound management processes, reducing the incidence of severe pressure injuries and associated complications. This efficiency can help decrease preventable hospitalizations and associated healthcare costs. Additionally, by enabling better documentation and standardized assessments, the app supports quality improvement in patient care, with potential to reduce wait times and resource strain in acute care and emergency settings. Project Theme Information Current State 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 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 proposed intervention is an AI-powered app designed for wound imaging, specifically for pressure injury assessment. This app would integrate digital photography with automated staging software to provide a more consistent, accurate, and efficient approach to assessing and managing pressure injuries. How it Works The AI app allows healthcare providers to capture images of pressure injuries on mobile devices and upload them directly to ConnectCare. The app’s automated staging software analyzes the wound characteristics—such as size, depth, color, and tissue health—and classifies the injury into stages (from Stage 1 to Stage 4) based on established criteria. This system not only aids in staging but also facilitates remote assessment and consultation, enabling healthcare providers to make timely and informed decisions. Other Known Cases: An audit of acute care sites in Alberta showed that approximately one of every six acute care patient had a pressure injury. Pressure injuries cause extremely painful sores that can lead to serious complications and even death. The number of pressure injuries in a clinical environment is a gauge of quality of care because it is preventable. 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. Get Involved Explore Partnerships Interested in collaboration? Email Chester Ho to explore partnership opportunities Get in touch chester.ho@albertahealthservices.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