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

We envision a vibrant eHealth and mHealth ecosystem, accelerating innovation, growth, and transforming healthcare through collaboration and partnerships. UCalgary-based program expands province-wide in supporting digital health researchers NEWS Date Alex Baron, W21C Research and Innovation Centre | Sept 11, 2023 Project Contact: Image Source: iStock SPARK program receives grant from Alberta Innovates, supporting post-secondary innovators across Alberta in transforming ideas into clinical practice 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.” BCI4Kids and Possibility Neurotechnologies team members, from left: Erica Floreani, Eli Kinney-Lang and Dion Kelly, present the Think2Switch. Dion Kelly is a clinical neuroscientist in the BCI4Kids Research Program. Credit: Dion Kelly 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. The SPARK Alberta program is managed by Nicola Quiggin and directed by Scott Kraft. Scott Kraft is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and director of SPARK Alberta. Credit: Nicola Quiggin Next steps for SPARK Alberta One of the goals of the SPARK Alberta program is to create a community focused on supporting Alberta-made digital health innovations. By joining SPARK, participating teams are making meaningful connections with others in this community. “The in-person presentations and events fostered a dynamic network with other startups in the digital health ecosystem ,” says Dion. “Engaging with peers at various stages of development has enriched our journey, providing insights and camaraderie as we navigate the multifaceted process of growth and innovation. ” Applications for the next cohort are open until Sept. 13. If you are a faculty member or researcher developing an evidence-based digital health innovation, visit the SPARK Alberta webpage to learn more about the program and to apply.

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

Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care CONnecting and Coordinating an Enhanced Network for TRansitions in Care (CONCENTRIC) — Lead: Chester Ho . . INNOVATION STAGE Proof of Concept Health Innovation Focus Mobility and Rehabilitation Population and Setting Adults, Rural & Remote Technology and Intervention Digital Communication BENEFITS For Users Enhanced Support: Users receive guidance from Client Service Coordinators and experienced peers, improving their transition into community living. Reduced Isolation: Immersive technologies enable rural patients to form meaningful peer connections, alleviating feelings of loneliness. Improved Access to Resources: Virtual networks provide patients with access to necessary information and support, regardless of their location. Better Emotional Well-Being: Stronger peer connections and support systems contribute to reduced rates of psychological disorders such as depression. For The System Improved Patient Outcomes: The initiative supports better reintegration for SCI patients, reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Innovative Technology Integration: By leveraging spatial meeting technologies, the organization pioneers new approaches to virtual care and peer support. Scalable Solutions: This model can inform future practices and policies for supporting rural patients in similar contexts. Knowledge Advancement: The mixed-methods study contributes to research on using immersive technologies to improve patient care and transitions. Project Theme Information Current State Rural patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) face significant challenges during their transition from inpatient rehabilitation back into their communities. Limited access to in-person peer networking opportunities in rural areas restricts essential social support and resources. As a result, SCI patients often experience higher rates of psychological disorders, such as depression, which further complicates their reintegration process. While virtual peer networks have shown potential, their implementation remains underdeveloped, and the effectiveness of these systems is hindered by inadequate community resources such as ongoing care and tailored programs. 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 initiative introduces a virtual peer network for rural SCI patients, using cutting-edge spatial meeting technologies to enhance peer connections and community reintegration. The intervention leverages mixed-reality headsets, 360-degree cameras, and a combination of Zoom and immersive meeting applications to create engaging, supportive environments. By addressing gaps in traditional care transitions, this model utilizes technology to foster meaningful connections and improve patient outcomes. How it Works Participants in the virtual peer network engage in twice-monthly networking sessions, alternating between traditional videoconferencing (Zoom) and immersive spatial meeting technologies. These sessions are facilitated by Client Service Coordinators and experienced peers. The use of mixed-reality headsets and 360-degree cameras creates an engaging, immersive experience, fostering deeper connections. A mixed-methods evaluation compares the effectiveness of these technologies against traditional videoconferencing to assess their impact on patient outcomes and community reintegration. Get Involved Explore Partnerships 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

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

Jill de Grood jointly leads the W21C Research and Innovation Centre with Dr. Jaime Kaufman, PhD. Together, Jill and Jaime support the strategic direction of the initiative, promoting W21C’s value proposition as an organization dedicated to research, innovation, and education. They support day-to-day W21C operations and processes, and lead specific portfolios. Jill completed her Master’s degree in Sociology at the University of Calgary. Her thesis project examined factors impacting lawyer’s physical and mental health. She completed a Certificate in Professional Management in 2015 and received her Project Management Professional Certification in 2018. Jill has been in an evolving leadership role with W21C for more than nine years, and became Director of the Centre in 2013. Over the years, Jill has led and been involved in numerous industry partner projects in areas such as technology assessment, infection prevention and control, and examining the effectiveness and impact of health care innovations for patient care. Jill is a published author with fourteen journal publications along with a number of knowledge translation pieces. As Director of Development and Partnerships, Jill continues to bring a strategic perspective to the W21C, to solve challenges and identify opportunities for the Centre. Jill is responsible for establishing and enhancing new and existing community partnerships with government and external organizations. Jill oversees the clinical trials and human factors teams in conjunction with Michelle Wright. She is also accountable for externally focused innovation support programs like SPARK Calgary. W21C Leadership Representative Jill de Grood  jill.degrood@ucalgary.ca NEXT OPERATIONS MEMBER PREVIOUS OPERATIONS MEMBER

Theme 3: Connectivity and Data Access Building the basic infrastructure to allow data to flow securely Date We envision a vibrant eHealth and mHealth ecosystem, accelerating innovation, growth, and transforming healthcare through collaboration and partnerships. | The event was then led in a keynote address by Dr. James A. Makokis, speaking on the negative role colonialism continues to play in healthcare for Indigenous Canadians. This was followed by a lecture from Dr. Christy Cauley on the integration of mobile health to optimize recovery in patients. Project Contact-

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

We envision a vibrant eHealth and mHealth ecosystem, accelerating innovation, growth, and transforming healthcare through collaboration and partnerships. Enhancing Recovery After Surgery THEME 2: REMOTE MONITORING AND VIRTUAL CARE Date Alex Baron | January 2024 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. Project Contact: Dr. Mary Brindle Image Sources: Adobe Stock

Shane holds a master’s degree in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University and is a Project Management Institute certified Project Management Professional. He has extensive experience in leading interdisciplinary teams, strategic planning, and working with various stakeholder groups. Prior to joining the W21C, Shane developed and managed a variety of projects relating to pediatric health outcomes, health technology, and neuroscience with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Neuropsychology Service. He has also previously worked as a Research Coordinator with the University of Calgary Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre and as a Research Associate with the Simon Fraser University Injury Prevention and Mobility Lab. Prior to his role as Program Manager, Shane coordinated the W21C Digital Health Colloboratorium initiative. Outside of work, Shane enjoys participating in a variety of sports including hockey, basketball, and skiing. Hub Manager Shane Virani  shane.virani@ucalgary.ca NEXT OPERATIONS MEMBER PREVIOUS OPERATIONS MEMBER