As the number of new healthcare technologies continues to grow, West Park is pursuing a growing number of projects that have the potential to improve patient care and help patients get their lives back.
“Research and innovation have always been important drivers to improve quality of care, but with the recent explosion of new medical technologies, we have many more opportunities to create innovative solutions,” says Jan Walker, vice president of Strategy, Innovation and CIO.
“In the past, manufacturers were more focused on selling solutions. Today, the relationship has shifted to more of a partnership model, where we work together to develop and test new ideas.”
Some of the projects that highlight how West Park is collaborating with healthcare innovators to study new technologies include:
Next-generation medication dispenser
Medication adherence at home continues to be problematic, especially for older adults and people with cognitive impairment.
To address this issue, West Park researchers are leading a Canada-wide study to evaluate the Karie home medication dispenser.
A smarter hospital bed
West Park is working with other Ontario hospitals to test the Ably hospital bed.
Developed by Ably Medical AS of Norway, the intelligent bed incorporates machine learning to learn, mobilize and collaborate with patients at risk of falls and pressure ulcers.
3D scanning with a human touch
3D printing is now commonplace, accessible to the public at some community libraries.
West Park’s Biomedical Engineering Service is using 3D printing to make assistive devices such as toothbrush holders tailored specifically to an individual to help regain independence in daily life.
Read about these and many other innovation projects at West Park.