Alex Baron graduated from the University of Alberta Augustana Campus in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts – English, and then completed a Bachelor of Arts – Communications from the University of Calgary in 2016. In his career, Alex has had the opportunity to work in some truly unique places, allowing him to pursue his two key interests – creating memorable guest experiences and telling great stories. This includes working at the Walt Disney World Resort, Heritage Park Historical Village, and the University of Calgary. His interests outside of work include travel and photography. Communications Advisor Alex Baron  ambaron@ucalgary.ca NEXT OPERATIONS MEMBER PREVIOUS OPERATIONS MEMBER

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

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

Theme 3: Data Access and Connectivity Community-based health data research initiative — Lead: Tyler Williamson . . INNOVATION STAGE Exploration Health Innovation Focus Health Data Security, Accessibility & Interoperability Population and Setting — Technology and Intervention — BENEFITS For Users For Patients: Improved access to virtual care, enhanced continuity of care, and better health outcomes. For Providers: Simplified workflows, access to comprehensive patient data, and reduced administrative burden. For Administrators: Enhanced ability to deliver cost-effective, quality health programs and services. For The System System Efficiency: Improved data sharing and interoperability reduce duplication, errors, and delays in care delivery. Better Health Outcomes: A connected health data system supports more effective and informed clinical decision-making. Cost Reduction: Streamlined workflows and optimized virtual care lead to significant savings across the healthcare system. Stakeholder Collaboration: Collective Impact governance ensures sustained alignment of policy, technology, and workflows across the health sector. Project Theme Information Current State The healthcare sector in Alberta is increasingly relying on virtual care to deliver programs and services, but challenges in data access and interoperability limit its effectiveness. Health information systems often operate in silos, creating barriers to seamless communication between healthcare providers and systems. These issues hinder the delivery of high-quality, efficient healthcare services and prevent patients from experiencing the full potential of virtual care. There is a critical need to align health data governance, policy, workflows, and technology to optimize care delivery, reduce costs, and improve health outcomes across Alberta. 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 Alberta Virtual Care Coordinating Body (AVCCB) is spearheading a series of initiatives to optimize the quality of health programs and services by addressing health data access and interoperability. The AVCCB uses a principle-based health data governance framework to promote better alignment of policy, technology, workflows, and regulations across the healthcare sector. Through a Collective Impact model, the AVCCB brings together stakeholders from across the health system to collaboratively set consensus policies and strategies, starting with virtual care and expanding to broader health data optimization. How it Works Advisory and Oversight: The AVCCB, composed of stakeholders across the health sector, advises and oversees projects that align with the principles of optimal health data governance. Collective Impact Framework: Using a shared authority model, the AVCCB collaborates with healthcare providers, administrators, and policy makers to set consensus approaches to health data design and use. Data Access and Interoperability: Projects focus on enhancing the integration of virtual care with broader health data systems by promoting interoperability and accessibility for all users. Policy and Workflow Alignment: Establish principles-based alignment of workflows, regulations, and technology to support scalable and sustainable virtual care services. Get Involved Explore Partnerships Contact Tyler Williamson to collaborate Get in touch tyler.williamson@ucalgary.ca Take a Closer Look Learn More View other projects and explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are transforming care across the province. Explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are solving real-world challenges and shaping the future of care across the province. View The Portfolio ABOUT The Health Everywhere Hub portfolio map showcases academic-led projects tackling real healthcare challenges across Alberta. By highlighting shared goals and commonalities, we hope to spark collaboration and amplify impact across the system. It’s more than a list of projects - this evolving collection shows what’s possible when partnerships, bold ideas, and real-world testing come together. Previous Item Next Item

UCalgary-based program expands province-wide in supporting digital health researchers UCalgary-based program expands province-wide in supporting digital health researchers 23-09-11, 9:00 p.m. 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.” Previous Next

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

Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care Intergenerational Pelvic Floor Exercise Programs — Lead: Martin Ferguson-Pell . . INNOVATION STAGE Proof of Concept Health Innovation Focus Mobility and Rehabilitation Population and Setting Postpartum; Older Adults; Rural and Remote Technology and Intervention Digital Communication BENEFITS For Users Improved Pelvic Health: Regular, guided exercises strengthen pelvic muscles and address issues like incontinence and pelvic pain. Convenient Access: Telerehabilitation provides easy access to care, removing travel barriers for women in rural areas. Personalized Care: The program can adapt to individual needs, offering tailored guidance for postpartum and post-menopausal recovery. Enhanced Community Engagement: Intergenerational programs encourage support and interaction among participants, building a sense of community. For The System Improved Health Outcomes: Access to early and ongoing pelvic floor care helps prevent complications, reducing long-term healthcare costs. Accessible Care Delivery: Telerehabilitation models extend healthcare reach to underserved areas. Innovative Research Opportunities: This project will generate valuable insights into the effectiveness of telerehabilitation for pelvic health, potentially informing broader applications. Project Theme Information Current State Women in rural and remote areas face considerable challenges in accessing pelvic floor rehabilitation services, leading to delayed or missed care. Although pelvic floor exercises are proven to be effective, only a small percentage of postpartum women receive early care, while older women often find their symptoms dismissed. Other Known Use Cases Partnerships with Xsensor and Baxter are undergoing to evaluate the impact of eHealth tools on patient outcomes. The specific focus will be on two products: 1) Xsensor’s ForeSite® Intelligent Surface, an artificial intelligence-powered continuous skin monitoring... What is the Innovation An initiative to transform pelvic floor health for women in rural and remote areas by exploring the impact of intergenerational versus monogenerational exercise programs through innovative telerehabilitation solutions. The project aims to improve health outcomes related to incontinence and to foster community engagement. How it Works In a series of projects, the University of Alberta team is creating virtual assessment protocols and rehabilitation programs. These programs offer guided pelvic floor exercises delivered through telerehabilitation, allowing participants to join from home. They are investigating intergenerational (multi-age) and monogenerational (single-age) formats to understand which structure offers the best support and outcomes. Other Known Cases: Digital workbooks have been designed to help recovering addicts Exercise videos have been implemented to to provide ongoing rehabilitative services to patients. Specific use cases include pelvic floor rehabilitation, upper extremity stroke spasticity, remote is chemic conditioning, and the Inverted Can Test. Get Involved Collaborate & Subscribe Email us to collaborate, share our story, subscribe to updates, or follow our latest projects and resources on social media Get in touch rehabrobotics@ualberta.ca Take a Closer Look Learn More View other projects and explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are transforming care across the province. Explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are solving real-world challenges and shaping the future of care across the province. View The Portfolio ABOUT The Health Everywhere Hub portfolio map showcases academic-led projects tackling real healthcare challenges across Alberta. By highlighting shared goals and commonalities, we hope to spark collaboration and amplify impact across the system. It’s more than a list of projects - this evolving collection shows what’s possible when partnerships, bold ideas, and real-world testing come together. Previous Item Next Item

THEME # 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

Maryam has a Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation degree and a Master of Management degree, both from the University of Calgary. Specializing in strategy, project management, and stakeholder relations, Maryam has successfully led teams, managed projects, and executed plans within diverse business domains. Her expertise includes strategic analysis, client communication, and a detail-oriented approach to data management. Maryam brings a unique blend of academic excellence, professional acumen, and a passion for community service to every project, making her a dynamic and versatile contributor to the W21C team. Operations Coordinator (University of Calgary) Maryam Ali  maryam.ali1@ucalgary.ca NEXT OPERATIONS MEMBER PREVIOUS OPERATIONS MEMBER