The interview in this episode was done by Joshua McCutcheon of the Alberta Health Services i4 podcast, Insights. Thanks for the great work, Joshua!
Unlock the secrets to transforming Alberta's healthcare system through innovation, as we bring you insights from Nancy Walter and Muna Sabouny of Alberta Innovates. As the creative force behind Alberta's research and innovation, this crown corporation under the Ministry of Technology and Innovation spearheads groundbreaking advancements in digital health, clean resources, and artificial intelligence. With a century-long legacy, Alberta Innovates orchestrates a diverse portfolio of projects, converting cutting-edge research into practical solutions that prioritize sustainable, human-centered care.
The conversation dives into the power of strategic partnerships with initiatives like the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Health System (PRIHS) and the Digital4Health program. Nancy and Muna describe how these collaborations between researchers, clinicians, tech providers, and health service delivery partners are pivotal in enhancing patient well-being and optimizing the health system. By aligning goals and fostering open communication, these programs bridge knowledge gaps and generate impactful, patient-centered outcomes within the health ecosystem.
In a compelling narrative, they spotlight Dr. Darren Lau's work on improving diabetes care for rural First Nations and Indigenous communities through the innovative LINK project. By harnessing digital health solutions, his team aims to elevate care quality and accessibility. The conversation also tackles "wicked challenges," leveraging rich health data and collaborative efforts to revolutionize healthcare. Alberta's potential to lead health system transformation shines as they explore the pursuit of improving care experiences, workforce well-being, health equity, cost efficiency, and overall population health.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.