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

Leveraging new technologies and workflows to provide rural and remote patients access to specialized rehabilitation and musculoskeletal assessments. 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

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 Neesh Pannu  fe4@ualberta.ca NEXT THEME LEAD

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

Shane Virani is the Hub Manager at Health Everywhere. 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. Maggie is a healthcare professional with a deep commitment to patient care. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Biology from the University of Toronto. After completing her undergraduate studies, Maggie pursued her interest in Medical Radiation Technology, gaining clinical experience and a strong understanding of healthcare systems at Windsor Regional Hospital, Humber River Hospital, and Scarborough General Hospital. While working in hospital environments, Maggie identified a gap in service design. She recognized that a patient-centered approach that incorporates human factors research and UX design principles could significantly improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients and healthcare professionals alike. This realization led her to pursue a diploma in UX design. Through her work, she leverages her expertise in healthcare, UX design and user research to create holistic solutions that optimize the patient experience. Outside of work, Maggie enjoys being active and spending time outdoors. You can find her playing spike ball, strolling through farmers markets, and exploring the Rockies. Hub Engagement and Evaluation Designer Maggie Hui  maggie.hui@ucalgary.ca PREVIOUS OPERATIONS MEMBER

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

If you are a faculty member or researcher developing an evidence-based digital health innovation, visit the SPARK Alberta webpage to learn more and to apply.  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.

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 Matthew James  fe4@ualberta.ca NEXT THEME LEAD

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)

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