Dr. Neesh Pannu is a Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead at Health Everywhere. Neesh is 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. 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 PREVIOUS THEME LEAD NEXT THEME LEAD Uptake VC Personalizing Recovery After Acute Kidney Events Like npannu@ualberta.ca Dr. Neesh Panu Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead 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.

Dr. Tom Stelfox is the Oversight Committee Chair at Health Everywhere. Tom 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. 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 PREVIOUS THEME LEAD SEE OPERATIONS TEAM stelfoxt@ualberta.ca Dr. Tom Stelfox Oversight Committee Chair 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.

Home / Research Themes / Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care / Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care By leveraging academic research, industry collaboration, and community engagement, this research theme creates a foundation for scaling virtual and mobile health innovations for virtual care. Key Areas of Focus Our work targets critical areas where digital innovation can improve how care is delivered, coordinated, and experienced across the system 01. Focus Area 02. Focus Area 03. Focus Area FEATURED Storyboards From the 2024 Innovation Gallery Explore featured storyboards that bring to life the real-world challenges, bold ideas, and digital health innovations shaping the future of care in Alberta. Addictions Treatment Support App A major barrier to recovery for individuals seeking treatment for substance use is building mental skills to cope with stress and maintain daily routines. This is particularly challenging for those in intensive in-patient programs seeking full abstinence. The iPath (Integrated Pathway from Addiction to Health) project addresses these challenges by leveraging Zamplo, a digital app to empower individuals to monitor their progress and access the resources they need to stay on track with their sobriety goals. Learn More Emergency Department Wearables and Remote Monitoring Traditional medical monitoring systems are often costly and complex. Remote monitoring is transforming healthcare, allowing continuous patient oversight outside clinical settings. Consumer wearables like Apple Watches and Fitbits empower users to track vital signs, activity, and sleep in real-time. This project seeks to adapt consumer-grade wearables for scalable, real-time health data access, integrating them with remote health systems. This approach enables continuous monitoring by healthcare professionals and automatic alerts for both patients and providers, ensuring timely care and peace of mind from any location. Learn More Intergenerational Pelvic Floor Exercise Programs Women in rural and remote areas face barriers to accessing pelvic floor rehabilitation, resulting in delayed or missed care. While pelvic floor exercises are effective, many postpartum women don’t receive timely treatment, and older women’s symptoms are often overlooked. Research shows that intergenerational approaches enhance community engagement and social support. This project explores the effects of intergenerational vs. monogenerational exercise programs through telerehabilitation to improve incontinence outcomes and promote community engagement. Learn More NeoApp: ERAS at Home Parents of neonatal babies who have undergone surgery face challenges during recovery. Transitioning from hospital care to managing their high-needs baby at home can be overwhelming and stressful, with many parents unsure how to identify normal versus concerning signs or when to seek help. NeoApp: ERAS at Home offers personalized support to empower parents, while reducing unnecessary ER visits. It helps track recovery, share progress with healthcare providers, and provides resources like videos and discussion boards for confident at-home care. Grounded in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles, NeoApp offers evidence-based guidance tailored to each baby. Learn More Sense: A Video-Based Telehealth Platform for Mental Health Support The Sense (Supporting Emotional Wellness in Nurses and Social Workers in E-Mental Health) program was co-designed with healthcare professionals to address the need for emotional wellness support in healthcare workers. This program addresses the mental health challenges of healthcare professionals through six weekly sessions on a video-based telehealth platform. It combines virtual group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with real-time feedback from an AI-enabled stress monitoring assistant, tailoring CBT modules to participants' stress responses. Learn More Start-the-Breathe: Using Drones to Deliver Immediate Care At-the-Scene for Respiratory Distress in Remote Settings Access to immediate medical care is challenging for those injured in remote or high-risk areas, such as Indigenous communities, hiking paths, or during wildfires. Delays faced by firefighters and EMS responders can lead to critical time loss and increased fatality risks. Limited telemedicine networks and the inability to monitor vital symptoms like blood pressure and oxygen levels further strain emergency response efforts. The Start-the-Breathe project utilizes drone technology to deliver kits with medical supplies in inaccessible areas, where emergency responders can't reach easily or quickly. Learn More Therapeutic Effects of EVS on Gait and Balance The team at Neursantys have developed an innovative wearable device, to maintain and restore vestibular balance and motor control. The initial application was intended for astronauts, but has been adapted to aid rehabilitation in seniors and prevent falls. This device uses low-level non-invasive electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) to activate long-lasting neuroplastic restoration of balance and gait. The tech is being tested on older adults and individuals with multiple sclerosis, with potential applications for Parkinson’s disease, stroke and cognitive decline. Pilot testing has demonstrated increased ambulatory confidence, mobility, and independence in users. The Neursantys team is currently pursuing Health Canada and FDA approvals. Learn More THEME PROJECTS Our Projects Addictions Treatment Support App Learn More Aiding COPD and CHF Ultrasound-guided Management through ENhanced Point Of Care UltraSound (ACCUMEN-POCUS) Learn More CONnecting and Coordinating an Enhanced Network for TRansitions in Care (CONCENTRIC) Learn More Robin's Nest as a White Label Platform Learn More Digital Self-Help Workbook (Mental Health) Learn More SENSE Program for Delivery of Frontline Staff Mental Health Learn More Emergency Department Wearables and Remote Monitoring Learn More Start the Breathe Learn More Enhancing the Management of Pressure Injuries Through Technology-Enhanced Communities of Practice Learn More Technology Acceptance Learn More Intergenerational Pelvic Floor Exercise Programs Learn More The Sky is the Limit Learn More Neo App Learn More Therapeutic Effects of Electrical Vestibular Stimulation (EVS) on Gait and Balance Learn More Peer Information and Mentorship Using Spatial Meetings Technologies Learn More Addictions Treatment Support App (Coming Soon) CONnecting and Coordinating an Enhanced Network for TRansitions in Care (CONCENTRIC) Digital Self-Help Workbook (Mental Health) (Coming Soon) Emergency Department Wearables and Remote Monitoring (Coming Soon) Enhancing the Management of Pressure Injuries Through Technology-Enhanced Communities of Practice (Coming Soon) Intergenerational Pelvic Floor Exercise Programs (Coming Soon) Neo App (Coming Soon) Peer Information and Mentorship Using Spatial Meetings Technologies (Coming Soon) Point of Care Ultrasound (Acumen - POCUS) Robin's Nest as a White Label Platform SENSE Program for Delivery of Frontline Staff Mental Health (Coming Soon) Start the Breathe (Coming Soon) Technology Acceptance (Coming Soon) The Sky is the Limit (Coming Soon) Therapeutic Effects of Electrical Vestibular Stimulation (EVS) on Gait and Balance Theme Leads Martin Ferguson-Pell Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Lead View Bio Mary Brindle Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Lead View Bio 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. Our Research Themes Bridging Community and Acute Care Like Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Like Connectivity and Data Access Like Integrative Innovation Ecosystem Support Like

Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Enhancing Recovery After Surgery Date We envision a vibrant eHealth and mHealth ecosystem, accelerating innovation, growth, and transforming healthcare through collaboration and partnerships. January 9, 2024 | Alex Baron 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. Image Sources: Adobe Stock Project Contact- Alex Baron

3 UCalgary projects receive $20.3M in provincial innovation grants 3 UCalgary projects receive $20.3M in provincial innovation grants Sep 6, 2023 UCalgary’s innovation ecosystem just received a $20.3-million boost, thanks to Alberta’s Major Innovation Fund (MIF) UCalgary’s innovation ecosystem just received a $20.3-million boost, thanks to Alberta’s Major Innovation Fund (MIF). On Sept. 5, Nate Glubish, minister of technology and innovation, announced that three UCalgary projects have received four years of funding to lead province-wide strategic initiatives to accelerate research and commercialization in the areas of medical devices, electronic and mobile health, and space and defence technologies. “Provincial support for high-tech research and innovation will help our post-secondary scholars move from groundbreaking technological ideas to entrepreneurial realities, fuelling a more diverse economy and making a positive impact in the wider community,” says Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary. Major Innovation Fund projects are highly collaborative, requiring the engagement of scholars from institutions across Alberta, industry partners, and the communities that the projects intend to serve. It is an outcomes-focused program, funding projects that will attract and retain top talent, diversify Alberta’s economy, support industries and local businesses, and leverage additional investments. “UCalgary’s innovation ecosystem is growing thanks to the drive of our research community and investments like the Major Innovation Fund,” says Dr. William Ghali, vice-president (research). “These three projects will streamline the research-to-commercialization pipeline for their sector and create opportunities for both innovative research and widespread of adoption of novel, made-in-Alberta solutions.” UCalgary’s projects are the Alberta Medical Device Innovation Consortium, Health Everywhere, and Space and Defence Technologies Alberta. Previous Next

Home / Research Themes / Integrated Innovation Ecosystem Support / Integrated Innovation Ecosystem Support By addressing gaps and opportunities in the current ecosystem, our aim is to create a dynamic eHealth and mHealth ecosystem, by identifying resources, matching them with innovators, and improving overall integration. Key Areas of Focus Our work seeks to strengthen the eHealth and mHealth ecosystem by enhancing resource integration and fostering continuous innovation. 01. Focus Area 02. Focus Area 03. Focus Area FEATURED PROJECTS Storyboards From the 2024 Innovation Gallery Explore featured storyboards that bring to life the real-world challenges, bold ideas, and digital health innovations shaping the future of care in Alberta. Navigating Trade-offs in Health Technology Implementation Implementing Health Information Technology (HIT) often results in unintended consequences, such as workflow disruptions, user resistance, and increased workloads, due to insufficient understanding of trade-offs. This makes it hard for healthcare organizations to adapt to new technologies and provide safe, efficient care. Traditional approaches to HIT evaluation have been reactive, addressing problems post-implementation rather than proactively identifying and mitigating potential challenges. The framework combines concepts from the Social Business Process Management (BPM) and qualitative content analysis to better understand and improve HIT implementation. Learn More The GAITS Platform This project evaluates GAITS within the SPARK Program to assess a tool’s potential for advancing health-tech solutions and facilitating adoption of new technologies by: Helping academic innovators manage and anticipate their projects milestones more effectively better aligning the technical development of innovations with product Market fit (e.g. clinical needs and organizational requirements) , regulatory requirements, and business goals Better aligning the technical development of innovations with product-market fit (e.g. clinical needs and organizational requirements) , regulatory requirements, and business goals Learn More THEME PROJECTS Our Projects A Model of Tradeoffs for Understanding Health Information Technology Implementation Learn More Identifying the mHealth and eHealth Ecosystem Building Blocks Learn More Evaluation of GAITS Platform in SPARK Program Learn More The Co-Pilot Collective Learn More A Model of Tradeoffs for Understanding Health Information Technology Implementation (Coming Soon) Evaluation of GAITS Platform in SPARK Program (Coming Soon) Identifying the mHealth and eHealth Ecosystem Building Blocks (Coming Soon) The Co-Pilot Collective (Coming Soon) Theme Leads Chad Saunders Integrated Innovation Ecosystem Support Lead View Bio 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. Our Research Themes Bridging Community and Acute Care Like Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Like Connectivity and Data Access Like Integrative Innovation Ecosystem Support Like

Key Areas of Focus Our work targets critical areas where digital innovation can improve how care is delivered, coordinated, and experienced across the system 01. Focus Area 02. Focus Area 03. Focus Area Home / Research Themes / Copy of Bridging Community and Acute Car / Bridging Community and Acute Care FEATURED PROJECTS Storyboards From the 2024 Innovation Gallery Explore featured storyboards that bring to life the real-world challenges, bold ideas, and digital health innovations shaping the future of care in Alberta. Improve CV Care Patients and physicians currently face challenges in effectively discussing non-physiological factors that impact cardiovascular health—such as mental health, support systems, and medication affordability—within the limited time available in appointments. This lack of structure can lead to tunnel vision, where only immediate physiological symptoms are prioritized, leaving other crucial aspects unaddressed. Learn More The Integrated Care Pathway In Canada, adults with multiple chronic conditions represent 30% of healthcare spending, with frequent and costly readmissions emphasizing the need for models that reduce hospital dependency and enhance care continuity. The Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) aims to improve care management and continuity of care for complex inpatients in the Calgary Zone by redesigning existing roles. This project is endorsed by AHS as part of the Acute Care Bundle Improvement initiative and is modelled after UHN's Connect Care model, with the evaluation led by Dr. Karen Okrainec. Learn More PAUSE: Preventing medication complications during AcUte illness through Symptom Evaluation and sick day guidance The PAUSE app is a digital tool designed to help patients manage their medications safely during times of illness. By providing personalized, symptom-based guidance, the app instructs users on when to temporarily stop or restart medications, helping to prevent complications. Many corporate pharmacies now offer digital apps for accessing prescriptions, which creates new opportunities for providers across Alberta. The PAUSE team is developing an app that integrates with the industry, aiming to bring innovative self-management tools to the community. Learn More Pressure Wound Staging App An audit of Alberta’s acute care sites revealed that about one in six patients had a hospital-acquired pressure injury. These injuries cause painful, rapidly progressing sores that can lead to severe complications and even death. Pressure injuries are seen as an important indicator of healthcare quality. A high number of these injuries may indicate systemic problems with how care is being provided. Accurate staging and assessments are crucial in wound care as they ensure the right treatment plan is applied, which is vital for effective healing and avoiding further complications. Learn More Presuna: Empowering Remote Point-of-Care Ultrasound Imaging Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a portable, non-invasive tool that offers real-time imaging. This, along with its ease of use, is expected to play a vital role in home-based care and remote locations. Advancements in handheld technology have enabled POCUS to integrate into programs like Hospital at Home, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses in patient homes. Presuna, a cloud-based software, enhances POCUS by enabling clinicians to send and interpret ultrasound images remotely. It facilitates remote assessments and improves decision-making for conditions like CHF and COPD in home-based care settings. Beyond clinical use, it acts as an educational tool, tracking training progress to help physicians monitor provider skill development. Learn More UPTAKE Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) causes long-term complications like cardiovascular issues and hospital readmissions. Rapidly developing and often under-managed, AKI poses risks when follow-up care is lacking. Many patients leave the hospital unaware of their condition or next steps. The UPTAKE platform (Using Personalized risk and digital tools for Transitions in care after Acute Kidney Events) delivers tailored after-visit summaries with AKI-specific information, follow-up instructions, and guidance, improving care continuity and empowering patients. Learn More This research theme brings together researchers, decision-makers, and digital health innovators to ensure seamless, inclusive, and scalable healthcare implementation in acute and community-based care settings. Improve CV Care Patients and physicians currently face challenges in effectively discussing non-physiological factors that impact cardiovascular health—such as mental health, support systems, and medication affordability—within the limited time available in appointments. This lack of structure can lead to tunnel vision, where only immediate physiological symptoms are prioritized, leaving other crucial aspects unaddressed. Shop Now Project Storyboards Explore featured storyboards from the 2024 Innovation Gallery, that bring to life the real-world challenges, bold ideas, and digital health innovations shaping the future of care in Alberta. Improve CV Care Patients and physicians currently face challenges in effectively discussing non-physiological factors that impact cardiovascular health—such as mental health, support systems, and medication affordability—within the limited time available in appointments. This lack of structure can lead to tunnel vision, where only immediate physiological symptoms are prioritized, leaving other crucial aspects unaddressed. Learn More APPROACH Learn More Pressure Wound Staging App Learn More IMPROVE CV Care Learn More UPTAKE Learn More Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) Evaluation Learn More UPTAKE VC Learn More PAUSE THEME ONE Our Projects MyHeartandCKD IMPROVE CV Care Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) Evaluation PAUSE Pressure Wound Staging App (Coming Soon) UPTAKE UPTAKE VC Theme Leads Matthew James Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead View Bio Neesh Pannu Bridging Community and Acute Care Lead View Bio Our Research Themes Bridging Community and Acute Care Like Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Like Connectivity and Data Access Like Integrative Innovation Ecosystem Support Like 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 Sep 11, 2023 | 4 min read  Alex Baron Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link UCalgary-based program expands province-wide in supporting digital health researchers At a glance SPARK Alberta, based out of UCalgary’s W21C, is expanding province-wide due to new funding from Alberta Innovates. The program helps post-secondary innovators move their digital health solutions from research into clinical use by providing expert guidance, education, and ecosystem connections. As Canada’s only active site in the global SPARK network, SPARK Alberta is building a coordinated provincial network to accelerate digital health translation and impact.  Alex Baron Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link paragraph 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.” Featured Video See the full interview EXPLORE MORE ARTICLES Innovation Apr 30, 2026 | 2 min read Simulation, Systems, and the Future of Surgical Care Tara Klassen joins host Lisa George on the Advancing Healthcare Through Simulation Podcast to discuss why innovation in surgical care is about much more than introducing a new device or technology. Read More Innovation Apr 16, 2026 | 2 min read From Research to Real World: Dr. Mary Brindle on Surgical Innovation Health Everywhere Hub Project Lead, Mary Brindle, joins host Lisa George on the Advancing Healthcare Through Simulation podcast to discuss the concept of the Living Lab in healthcare. Read More 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 Featured Video See the full interview EXPLORE MORE ARTICLES Innovation Apr 30, 2026 | 2 min read Simulation, Systems, and the Future of Surgical Care Tara Klassen joins host Lisa George on the Advancing Healthcare Through Simulation Podcast to discuss why innovation in surgical care is about much more than introducing a new device or technology. Read More Innovation Apr 16, 2026 | 2 min read From Research to Real World: Dr. Mary Brindle on Surgical Innovation Health Everywhere Hub Project Lead, Mary Brindle, joins host Lisa George on the Advancing Healthcare Through Simulation podcast to discuss the concept of the Living Lab in healthcare. Read More 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 1: Bridging Community and Acute Care Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) Evaluation A structured, team-based approach to discharge planning and post-discharge support. Lead: Michelle Grinman (Co-Principal Investigator) Project Lead: Karen Okrainec Collaborator: Sunita Chacko INNOVATION STAGE Implementation Integration Health Innovation Focus Chronic Disease; Health Promotion & Prevention Population and Setting Complex, frailty, vulnerable and/or elderly adults with or without co-morbidities Technology and Intervention — BENEFITS For Users Enhanced Support and Follow-Up: Patients receive ongoing guidance and assistance, improving their capacity to manage chronic conditions from home. Improved Continuity of Care: Structured follow-up and tailored care plans reduce disruptions in care, promoting better management of health at home and reducing readmissions. Greater Patient Autonomy: Patients are empowered to self-manage their conditions with accessible, ongoing support, enhancing their health outcomes and quality of life. For The System Reduced Length of Hospitalization, Readmission and ED visit Rates: By providing complex care planning upon admission and proactive post-discharge support, the ICP model aims to lower length of patient hospitalization, hospital readmissions and unnecessary ED visits, reducing associated healthcare costs. Improved Resource Efficiency: Effective discharge planning and case management alleviate strain on hospital resources, making care delivery more efficient. Long-Term Cost Savings: This proactive approach to managing complex cases reduces long-term expenses and supports the sustainability of healthcare services. Long-Term Cost Savings: This proactive approach to managing complex cases reduces long-term expenses and supports the sustainability of healthcare services. Project Theme Information Current State In Canada, adults with multiple chronic conditions frequently use healthcare services and experience poor health outcomes, with hospital admissions consuming 30% of healthcare spending. Readmissions are both common and costly, especially for vulnerable populations, underscoring the need for new models that promote continuity of care and reduce reliance on hospitals. Patients often experience fragmented care, moving between specialists and wards without consistent support, leading to repeated admissions and inadequate post-discharge care. Additionally, adults with multiple chronic conditions account for 30% of healthcare spending, with frequent, costly readmissions underscoring the need for models that reduce hospital reliance and promote better care continuity. The Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) aims to improve case management and continuity of care for complex inpatients in the Calgary Zone, thereby reducing length of hospitalization, risk of mortality and morbidity post-discharge, and ED visits and readmissions to hospital. Other Known Use Cases Partnerships with Xsensor and Baxter are undergoing to evaluate the impact of eHealth tools on patient outcomes. The specific focus will be on two products: 1) Xsensor’s ForeSite® Intelligent Surface, an artificial intelligence-powered continuous skin monitoring... What is the Innovation The Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) model is a structured, team-based approach to discharge planning and post-discharge support. It focuses on high-risk patients, providing continuity of care, intensive case management, and tailored support to help patients transition from hospital to home while managing their chronic conditions more effectively. Patients are anchored to an Integrated Care Lead (ICL) who quarterbacks complex discharge planning, centralizes communication between hospital and home, plans and connects patients to relevant home and community supports, and follows patients for up to 90 days post-discharge. With the acute post-discharge period retaining the highest risk of return to the ED, readmission, or rapid decompensation, the ICL regularly phones the patient for the first 1-2 weeks to rapidly medically pivot if necessary. Additionally, a 24/7 line in collaboration with HealthLink is available for patients for up to 90 days. How it Works The ICP model assigns a dedicated team member to support patients from their hospitalization through to post-discharge. This includes comprehensive discharge planning and community-based support for up to 90 days post-discharge, along with 24/7 phone support and personalized care plans documented in the electronic medical record (EMR) to ensure continuity. Other Known Cases: University Health Network in Toronto. University Health Network (UHN) adapted the successful pathway from this initiative to create the Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) (Appendix 1) in Toronto with the following services for >4000 individuals enrolled in the pathway since 2018: 1) Access to one care team: including connection to an Integrated Care lead during admission to hospital to create a complex transitional care plan that links with community services and primary care. 2) Access to one point of contact for support via a 24/7 phone line. 3) One shared electronic health record across acute care and home and community care. 4) Benefit from a flexible approach to funding that allows care to be personalized- this includes remote care monitoring and virtual care (where applicable). 5) Coordination of primary care, home and community-care and is supported by one funding source which follows the patient following discharge from hospital for up to 90 days (depending on patient need). Get Involved Contact Michelle To collaborate or to help tell our story, please contact Michelle Grinman Get in touch michelle.grinman@ucalgary.ca . View other projects and explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are transforming care across the province. Explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are solving real-world challenges and shaping the future of care across the province. View The Portfolio ABOUT The Health Everywhere Hub portfolio map showcases academic-led projects tackling real healthcare challenges across Alberta. By highlighting shared goals and commonalities, we hope to spark collaboration and amplify impact across the system. It’s more than a list of projects - this evolving collection shows what’s possible when partnerships, bold ideas, and real-world testing come together. Previous Item Next Item

Hailey has a degree in web development from InnoTech College. She previously worked for an orthotics and prosthetic company, working in several roles that included rebuilding and managing the company website. She has also worked as a contract web developer, photographer, and videographer. In her downtime, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, working on various video and photo projects, and writing fiction. Hailey has a degree in web development from InnoTech College. She previously worked for an orthotics and prosthetic company, working in several roles that included rebuilding and managing the company website. She has also worked as a contract web developer, photographer, and videographer. In her downtime, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, working on various video and photo projects, and writing fiction. Administrative Coordinator Hailey Foss  hailey.foss@ucalgary.ca PREVIOUS OPERATIONS MEMBER NEXT OPERATIONS MEMBER