In partnership with AMS Healthcare, Healthy Debate is publishing a series of solutions-focused articles on emerging technologies and their potential for transformational change of our health-care system.

The COVID pandemic forced the slow-moving system to rapidly adopt technologies that were waiting in the wings – like virtual care. But the pandemic also placed a significant strain on system capacity and workforce. Each piece focuses on a different technology with the potential to disrupt the system, aid our beleaguered health-care workforce and assist in delivering compassionate systems of care.

Article
by Maddi Dellplain

Blockchain and the future of medicine

Move over Bitcoin, blockchain is no longer just for cryptocurrency. The technology could improve transparency, trust and efficiency in health-care settings. But what exactly is blockchain and how do we make the best use of it in health care?

Article
by Maria Medeleanu Jeremy Piamonte Kenzie Murray Sarra Ali

Rethinking policy in a digital age: The role of blockchain technology in Canada

Blockchain technology may finally overcome the resistance within Ontario’s health-care system to changing how health data is shared and interacted with.

Article
by Emma Arkell

Connecting the dots: Standardizing EMR data essential to improving care, easing burnout

The developers and engineers at eHealth are aiming to ensure that as patients move through the health-care system, their information follows them. But there are still obstacles to the development of effective electronic medical records (EMRs).

Article
by Maddi Dellplain

‘Technology to help bridge the gap’: Smart homes and sensors ease caregiver burden

Smart home technology has become ubiquitous in recent years. Now researchers in Ottawa are finding ways to use this same technology to aid health-care workers, family caregivers, and allow patients to age in place.

Article
by Emma Arkell

Beam me up, doc: Adding touch and feel to virtual reality

New developments in virtual medicine could soon allow doctors to "touch" patients and provide even more comprehensive exams remotely.

Article
by Emma Arkell

‘A new way to move people’: Fewer back injuries for health-care workers, more comfort for patients

New improvements to lifts and transfer devices could reduce the risks of work-related injury in health care staff and improve quality of care.

Article
by Maddi Dellplain

Model that predicts MS relapse highlights AI’s expanding role in health care

AI can be taught to do a lot. But can it help doctors make better clinical decisions? One MS clinic in Ontario is trialing an AI model that could help doctors determine how to treat their patients.

Contributors

Maddi Dellplain

Digital Editor and Staff Writer

Maddi Dellplain is a B.C.-based journalist specializing in health reporting. Maddi works across multiple mediums with an emphasis on long-form features and audio-based storytelling. Her work has appeared in The Tyee, Megaphone Magazine, and more.

Emma Arkell

Journalist

Emma Arkell is a Vancouver-based multimedia journalist whose work focuses on labour and social movements. Her reporting has appeared in Chatelaine, PressProgress, Briarpatch Magazine, The Breach and Xtra.

Angela Artrero

Illustrator

Angela Atrero is a high school student from St. Mary’s Catholic Academy. She is a self-taught artist living in Toronto. Angela usually works with acrylics with a semi-realism style. Her artwork can be found as part of the The Angel Foundation Christmas Cards collection.

 

This series was made possible with the support of AMS Healthcare.

 

Please also check out our previous series in partnership with AMS Healthcare, Life after COVID: Solutions for our health-care system and Without Compassion, There is No Healthcare.  The lead piece in Without Compassion, There Is No Healthcare – Leading With Care in a Technological Age  was nominated for a national digital publishing award for best short feature.