Emily graduated from the University of Alberta with Distinction in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After a brief stint in industry, she returned to academia to pursue a lifelong passion for rehabilitation and was fortunate to find a place at the Rehab Robotics Lab where she is currently the Lab and Program Manager. Emily has extensive experience with community engagement, data collection and analysis, and student mentorship. She was recently awarded the University of Alberta Award for Outstanding Mentorship in Undergraduate Research and Creativity. She is passionate about equity and accessibility and uses her position to facilitate access to care, education, and scholarship. Operations Coordinator (University of Alberta) Emily Armstrong  eearmstr@ualberta.ca NEXT OPERATIONS MEMBER PREVIOUS OPERATIONS MEMBER

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

Dr. Chad Saunders, an Assistant Professor at the Haskayne School of Business since 2007, brings a wealth of expertise to the academic landscape with adjunct appointments in the Department of Community Health Sciences and the Department of Medicine at the Cumming School of Medicine. Serving as the eHealth Services and Strategy Lead at the healthcare innovation incubator, the Ward of the 21st Century (w21c.org), Dr. Saunders received his BSc in Applied Mathematics and MBA in Information Systems from Memorial University of Newfoundland, followed by a PhD in Management Information Systems from the Haskayne School of Business. With a diverse teaching background spanning entrepreneurship, innovation management, information systems, project management, and strategy, he is currently involved in teaching courses like Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Principles of Entrepreneurship, along with serving as a Project Coach in the Executive MBA program. Dr. Saunders' research prowess is evident in his three streams of focus: the impact of technology use in professional practices, the design and innovation of technology-enabled knowledge management in organizations, and the role of academic-industry collaborations in supporting entrepreneurs. His contributions, published in leading journals and funded by prestigious institutions, highlight his significant role in advancing knowledge at the intersection of business and technology. Integrated Innovation Ecosystem Support Lead Chad Saunders  fe4@ualberta.ca NEXT THEME LEAD

Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care CONnecting and Coordinating an Enhanced Network for TRansitions in Care (CONCENTRIC) Reimagining Transitions in Care for Rural Spinal Cord Injury Patients Lead Chester Ho Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care CONnecting and Coordinating an Enhanced Network for TRansitions in Care (CONCENTRIC) Reimagining Transitions in Care for Rural Spinal Cord Injury Patients Lead Chester Ho Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link Share this project LinkedIn X (Twitter) Copy link THE CHALLENGE 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. THE CHALLENGE 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. THE CHALLENGE 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. THE INNOVATION The CONCENTRIC intiative introduces a virtual peer network for rural SCI patients, using cutting-edge spatial meeting technologies to enhance peer connections and community reintegration. This 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. THE INNOVATION The CONCENTRIC intiative introduces a virtual peer network for rural SCI patients, using cutting-edge spatial meeting technologies to enhance peer connections and community reintegration. This 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 meet twice monthly, alternating between standard videoconferencing and spatial-technology sessions. Coordinators and peers facilitate the spatial sessions using mixed-reality headsets and 360-degree cameras. A mixed-methods evaluation will compare these tools with traditional videoconferencing to assess outcomes and support reintegration, ultimately strengthening patient connections. HOW IT WORKS Participants in the virtual peer network meet twice monthly, alternating between standard videoconferencing and spatial-technology sessions. Coordinators and peers facilitate the spatial sessions using mixed-reality headsets and 360-degree cameras. A mixed-methods evaluation will compare these tools with traditional videoconferencing to assess outcomes and support reintegration, ultimately strengthening patient connections. THE 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. THE 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. Explore Further If you’d like to learn more or connect about CONCENTRIC , reach out to Chester Ho, Project Lead , at: chester.ho@albertahealthservices.ca Get Involved Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet metus sed lorem tincidunt pretium. Learn More View other projects and explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are transforming care across the province. View Portfolio Explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are solving real-world challenges and shaping the future of care across the province. ABOUT The Health Everywhere Hub portfolio map showcases academic-led projects tackling real healthcare challenges across Alberta. By highlighting shared goals and commonalities, we hope to spark collaboration and amplify impact across the system. It’s more than a list of projects - this evolving collection shows what’s possible when partnerships, bold ideas, and real-world testing come together.

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

Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Emergency Department Wearables and Remote Monitoring This intervention leverages wearable technology and a digital health platform to enable remote biometric monitoring. By utilizing existing, widely owned smart devices, the platform facilitates continuous tracking of health metrics, enabling timely interventions without relying on expensive, dedicated medical systems. Lead: Jake Hayward . . INNOVATION STAGE Proof of Concept Health Innovation Focus Acute Illness; Chronic Disease Population and Setting Adults; Emergency department; Care Transitions Technology and Intervention Data Modelling, Platform and Dashboard Visualization; Wearable Technology, Imaging & Biosensors BENEFITS For Users For patients: the platform promotes proactive health management, increasing health awareness and engagement. It reduces the need for frequent hospital visits, saving time and money and lowering exposure to hospital-acquired infections. For those in remote areas, it provides accessible care without requiring travel, and timely alerts ensure that critical health changes are addressed promptly. For The System The system benefits from resource optimization by reducing the need for costly, specialized monitoring equipment, reserving these for critical cases. Quick access to biometric data supports efficient healthcare delivery, while improved monitoring in remote and underserved areas helps address health equity. Additionally, this scalable and sustainable solution supports future healthcare improvements, positioning healthcare organizations as leaders in innovation, attracting funding, and advancing research capabilities. Project Theme Information Current State Traditional medical monitoring systems are costly and complex, often requiring physician prescriptions and dedicated in-home equipment, which poses financial and usability challenges for both patients and healthcare providers. These systems are difficult to scale, particularly in underserved or rural areas. However, biometric monitoring is increasingly possible using common consumer devices, like smartwatches (e.g., Fitbit, Apple Watch), which can track vital signs and enable patients to manage their health proactively. While remote monitoring offers significant potential, it must be implemented responsibly to ensure safety and accuracy. 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 intervention leverages wearable technology and a digital health platform to enable remote biometric monitoring. By utilizing existing, widely owned smart devices, the platform facilitates continuous tracking of health metrics, enabling timely interventions without relying on expensive, dedicated medical systems. How it Works The platform uses smart devices to continuously collect vital health data, which patients can monitor in real-time. This data is securely transmitted to healthcare providers, enabling them to make timely, informed decisions and detect early warning signs of deterioration. In the event of a critical health change, automated alerts are generated for healthcare teams to take immediate action if necessary. Other Known Cases: Chronic Disease Management: Wearables like the Apple Watch and Fitbit are being used to monitor heart rates, oxygen levels, and blood pressure in real time, helping patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Data is shared with healthcare providers for early interventions. Post-Surgery Recovery: Wearables track patients’ vitals remotely after surgery, allowing doctors to monitor recovery and respond quickly to complications. Elderly Care: Wearables are used to monitor fall risks, sleep patterns, and mobility in elderly patients, ensuring timely alerts in case of emergencies. COVID-19 Monitoring: Smartwatches have been used to monitor oxygen saturation levels and detect early signs of respiratory distress, allowing patients to seek timely treatment. Get Involved Explore Partnerships Email Jake Hayward to explore partnership opportunities Get in touch jhayward@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 The Sky is the Limit Using drones to increase access to health care in remote communities Lead: Wade Hawkins . . INNOVATION STAGE Proof of Concept and Implementation/Integration Health Innovation Focus Health Promotion & Prevention Population and Setting Adults; Indigenous Communities; Rural & Remote Technology and Intervention Robotics, actuators, and human interfaces BENEFITS For Users Improved Access to Care: Drones provide timely delivery of medical supplies and tests to communities otherwise inaccessible by traditional means. Empowered Care: Tele-mentoring enables individuals to administer tests and procedures, fostering self-sufficiency and confidence. Timely Medical Interventions: Faster access to medical resources reduces delays in diagnosis and treatment, improving health outcomes. For The System Reduced Geographic Barriers: Drones eliminate logistical challenges in delivering healthcare to remote areas. Enhanced Efficiency: The integration of tele-mentoring reduces the need for healthcare providers to be physically present, optimizing resource use. Scalable Solution: This initiative can be expanded to other remote and underserved regions facing similar challenges. Community Partnerships: Collaboration with Indigenous communities ensures culturally sensitive implementation and strengthens trust in the healthcare system. Project Theme Information Current State Remote communities, particularly Indigenous communities, face significant barriers in accessing timely healthcare services due to geographic isolation and limited medical infrastructure. These challenges lead to delays in diagnostics, treatment, and medical support, compromising the health and well-being of residents in these areas. Innovative solutions are needed to overcome these logistical and accessibility challenges. 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 the use of drones to deliver medical supplies, tests, and intervention procedures to remote communities. In addition to delivery, the project incorporates tele-mentoring and self-administration guidance for medical tests and procedures, ensuring that healthcare services are accessible and effective despite geographical constraints. How it Works The project utilizes drones to transport medical supplies and test kits directly to remote communities. Alongside delivery, the initiative supports tele-mentoring, enabling healthcare providers to guide community members in performing self-administered medical tests and procedures. The project is implemented in partnership with Indigenous communities, ensuring culturally appropriate solutions. A comprehensive evaluation will assess the impact of this approach on healthcare access and outcomes. Other Known Cases: Medical Supply Delivery: Drones are used to deliver emergency medical supplies, vaccines, and blood to remote or disaster-struck areas. For example, Zipline has successfully delivered blood products to hospitals in rural Rwanda and Ghana. Search and Rescue Operations: Drones assist in locating missing or injured persons in hard-to-reach areas, using thermal imaging to find people in forests, mountains, or during natural disasters. Telemedicine: Drones equipped with communication devices deliver medical kits and allow doctors to guide patients remotely. This concept has been tested in disaster zones where medical personnel cannot reach quickly. Organ Transportation: Drones have been tested to transport organs for transplant between hospitals, reducing transportation time significantly and improving patient outcomes. Get Involved Explore Partnerships Email Wade Hawkins to explore partnership opportunities Get in touch wade.hawkins@sait.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

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

THEME # The Title Goes Here Here is two lines for your subtitle if you have one on your file Lead Co-lead Name Surname Team Member INNOVATION STAGE Name of the stage Health Innovation Focus What is it What is it Population and Setting What is it Technology and Intervention What is it What is it 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 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. Project Theme Information Current State OVERVIEW What Is The Innovation OVERVIEW 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. INTENDED USERS How It Works OVERVIEW Other Known Use Cases OVERVIEW Project Theme Information Current State 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 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... 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... How it Works 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... Get Involved Add a Title Add a Title Connect via email: Email: Discover More: here Previous Item Next Item

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