The Digital Technology Supercluster has announced two new projects focused on strengthening Canada’s healthcare system and delivering long-term improvements in Canadian health care.
Spanning the Supercluster’s three Technology Leadership Programs – Precision Health, Data Commons and Digital Twins – the new projects represent a total investment of nearly $8.4 million, with nearly $3.2 million provided by the Federal Government’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry, and $5.2 million of co-investment from Supercluster Members.
With COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term and acute-care facilities still flaring up across Canada on a regular basis, and with children set to return to school in the coming days, both projects are timely.
Healthcare to Homecare
As the pandemic wears on, the Healthcare to Homecare Consortium is working to develop a Frailty Care System (FCS) to enhance the practice of recommending that frail individuals remain in their homes for as long as possible, and provide essential services in those home environments.
By integrating data from sources such as wearable sensors and electronic medical records, the FCS will improve both medical outcomes and the quality of life for the estimated 3 million frail or pre-frail patients in Canada, many of whom are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
At the same time, the software platform will enhance physical distancing in hospitals and care homes, and reduce financial strain on the healthcare system.
Trustspere
The “TRUSTSPHERE” project, meanwhile, aims to create a scalable and trustworthy health-access platform that enables Canadians to use strong digital identities to easily view, share and manage their own health data in a private, secure and informed manner.
Owing in part to the increased COVID-19 vulnerability of the more than 2.3 million Canadian diabetes patients – notably students returning to school – the pilot will focus on improving patient-centered care for children with Type 1 diabetes by connecting them with their families, caregivers and clinicians.