North Simcoe health team connects using Hypercare

MIDLAND, Ont. – The North Simcoe Ontario Health Team (NSOHT) is pleased to announce the implementation of the Hypercare project. As part of the Innovating Digital Health Solutions (IDHS) program, funded by the Government of Ontario, this initiative is designed to significantly enhance care co-ordination through secure communication among healthcare professionals.

Hypercare offers real-time secure messaging, on-call scheduling, and task-management features, enabling healthcare providers to communicate efficiently and effectively. This advancement not only improves patient care but also streamlines workflow productivity for healthcare professionals.

The IDHS program, managed by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), encourages Ontario Health Teams and other health service providers to collaborate with Ontario-based technology vendors. The program’s goal is to evaluate, adopt, and implement digital health technologies that address Ontario’s health system priorities. The success of these projects has demonstrated significant commercialization and economic benefits, aligning with the Ministry of Health’s Digital First for Health Strategy.

“The Hypercare project is a significant step forward in improving how we co-ordinate and deliver care in our community,” said Tracy Coffin (pictured), director of the North Simcoe Ontario Health Team. “By enhancing secure communication among healthcare professionals, they are able to provide more timely and effective care, ultimately improving patient outcomes and safety.”

The Hypercare project has been awarded a total of $366,594.98, distributed among six participating Ontario Health Teams. The NSOHT received $61,099.16 of this funding. Led by Matt Ward, the digital health lead at the NSOHT, this funding supported two pilot projects, enhancing communication among primary care physicians in palliative care and improving communication and on-call scheduling at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH).

Initially implemented in the anesthetics, emergency, and surgical departments, GBGH plans to expand the use of Hypercare to all departments.

“The implementation of the Hypercare project by the North Simcoe Ontario Health Team is a testament to the transformative power of digital health solutions. Through the Innovating Digital Health Solutions program, we are proud to support initiatives that enhance care co-ordination and improve patient outcomes,” said Claudia Krywiak, president and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation. “This project not only exemplifies the benefits of secure and efficient communication in healthcare but also highlights the importance of collaboration between health service providers and Ontario-based technology vendors.”

The NSOHT Hypercare project aligns with the Ministry of Health’s Digital First for Health Strategy and showcases the potential of digital health technologies to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Ontario.

“The Hypercare project is a prime example of how digital health technologies can revolutionize healthcare delivery. By fostering collaboration and supporting innovative solutions, the Innovating Digital Health Solutions program empowers Ontario Health Teams to address critical health system priorities,” said Raed Kadri, vice-president, strategic initiatives, business development and head of OVIN at OCI. “We are excited to see the positive impact this project will have on care co-ordination, patient safety, and workflow productivity in the north Simcoe community.”