Technology and Innovation

Services de première ligne et équité en santé à l’ère numérique : défis et opportunités

Bien que les soins de santé au Canada soient publics, les individus à faible revenu rencontrent trop souvent des obstacles pour accéder aux services de santé, ce qui nuit à leur santé.

Challenges and opportunities for primary care and health equity in the age of technology

Even though health care in Canada is publicly funded, individuals with low incomes too often face barriers when it comes to accessing health-care services, which can adversely impact their overall health.

‘Bogus contract’ creating gulf between doctors, patients

There are unhealthy expectations built into the "bogus contract" between doctors and patients that overemphasize the power of medicine. At the same time, we are ignoring the relative importance of the precursors to good health.

‘A huge benefit’: Advances in blood products may save lives in rural communities

Blood supplies in rural areas can be low, leaving trauma patients at risk. But innovations in freeze-dried plasma could help save lives.

The wellness profiteers of virtual health care

The virtual care industry has boomed in part due to the decline of primary care. But with it has come a host of wellness scams blurring the lines between evidence-based and unproven health-care remedies.

Could Australia’s recent radiation scare happen in Canada?

The recent massive search in Western Australia for a highly radioactive ceramic disc that had fallen off a truck drew worldwide attention. Amazingly, the tiny capsule was found. But could a similar incident happen in Canada?

Surviving cardiac arrest should not depend on luck

Surviving sudden cardiac arrest depends largely on luck – and it shouldn’t be this way. A scientist working at Queen’s University is focused on testing new strategies and technologies to reduce our dependence on chance.

The future of human care: Why family doctors are more relevant than ever

With so many new technologies and practices changing how health care is delivered, do we even need family doctors at all?

Rescuing health-care providers from burnout. An essential next step for compassionate care

There are a number of ways we could hope to ease caregiver burnout. One physician reflects on the lessons he's learned in advance of AMS Healthcare's Conference on technology and health care (April 25).

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.

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?

Reimagining primary care

The primary care system needs to be restructured and Canadians want to see reforms that support continuous relationships with their doctor or health team Let’s not be afraid to act on their recommendations.

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).

Team-based care key to alleviating primary-care crisis

Primary care is in crisis and there aren't enough doctors to go around. Done right, team-based care can expand the capacity of family doctors to care for more patients.

Synthetic data may revolutionize clinical trials – and save lives

Behind each clinical trial, there are real human lives at stake. Advancements in synthetic data could lead us to a future in which every cancer patient enrolled in a clinical trial is guaranteed hope.

‘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.

Give me a primary-care provider who understands me

What do Canadians want in a primary care doctor? The OurCare survey results highlight that an ongoing relationship between a clinician and patient is key.

A chicken in every pot? How about a family doctor for every patient?

An innovative Quebec program sees a huge boost in access to primary care. Ontario may soon follow suit and pivot towards more neighborhood-based clinics to address the demand.

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.

Virtual care must be integrated into public system, not driven by profit

Virtual care is here to stay. But how it should be used and who should own the services are important to patients, OurCare survey shows.