Live long, live well: unveiling health data

In the wake of the global pandemic, healthcare innovation has played a pivotal role in bridging the gaps created by the disruption of essential health services across the globe. From data-centric technologies to revolutionized models of care, innovation continues to drive the flow of vital information, improving communication, data sharing, and decision-making within the healthcare sector.

TRANSFORMING MODELS OF CARE

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth and this new system is here to stay. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, 50% of Canadians had been presented with options of virtual care by March 2022, with one-third of all patient-reported visits between January 2021 and March 2022 taking place remotely. Post-COVID-19, telehealth continues to improve healthcare delivery, providing a lifeline for remote consultations, virtual monitoring, and telemedicine services.

DIGITAL PLATFORM INTEGRATION

In the same vein, robust digital health platforms have emerged, integrating electronic health records, telehealth services, and patient engagement tools to enhance the flow of critical information. Wearable technology is another game-changer. No longer restricted to reporting users’ fitness data, innovative wearables provide real-time health data to both users and healthcare professionals, enabling early illness detection, and remote health monitoring, ultimately empowering individuals to take proactive steps toward better health.

AI-POWERED DIAGNOSTICS

As is the case with virtually every other service sector, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is projected to play a key role in the future of healthcare. From automating routine administrative tasks to enhancing the intuitiveness of wearable health devices, AI’s impact is palpable across the healthcare ecosystem. Today, machine learning algorithms analyze vast amounts of medical data to identify patterns and make predictions, significantly improving diagnostic capabilities in healthcare. The speed and accuracy of AI-powered diagnostics not only improve patient outcomes but contribute to increasing the efficiency of resource distribution for the healthcare sector.

It is undeniable that the pandemic dealt a huge blow to the global healthcare industry, challenging the established model of in-person care delivery. In response to this unprecedented sea change, technological advancements and initiatives have risen to the occasion with the goal of decentralizing healthcare and helping patients get the help they need with digitally-enabled ease.

ALBERTA LEADS IN HEALTH INNOVATION

The global healthcare industry is ushering in a wave of innovations that are reshaping the future, and Alberta’s $25B healthcare sector is all in. With a thriving online platform, the province is optimizing the flow of health data by allowing individuals to digitally access their health records such as immunizations and lab results, book virtual and in-person appointments, and even sync their wearables with their health accounts. Home to over 850 principal investigators running over 1,400 clinical trials each year, Alberta is leveraging cutting-edge technology to expedite medical research, revolutionize care models, and break the barriers between healthcare professionals and their patients.

Despite the strides taken toward transforming the health sector to better align with the fast pace of today’s world, the need for greater accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability in care delivery cannot be denied. As we navigate the coming years, health innovations promise a more efficient and personalized healthcare experience for individuals around the globe. The journey to a healthier future has begun, and the possibilities feel endless.

Learn from the innovators who are transforming the global healthcare space as they explore the latest breakthroughs as part of the Live Long, Live Well: Unveiling Health Data track at Inventures 2024.

Article content originally appeared on the Inventures website on January 25, 2024.