New research from University Health Network, featuring TRANSFORM HF members Dr. Heather Ross, Dr. Chris McIntosh, Dr. Yas Moayedi, and Will Gao, shows that wearable technologies, such as the Apple Watch, can help monitor heart failure by providing early signs of deteriorating health – often days to weeks before unplanned medical care is needed.
Pediatric heart disease patients often face challenges as they move from youth to adult care. TRANSFORM HF member Dr. Sahr Wali and youth patient champion Amelia Mahlenbrei Watford are working to change that. The pair has been awarded a Pride in Patient Engagement in Research (PiPER) program grant to advance this work, with a focus on Chameleon – the team’s mobile phone-based educational care companion that offers personalized medication tracking, regular health check-ins, and lifestyle reminders. The goal? To empower youth, improve care continuity, and make transitions smoother and more successful.
When we began our strategic planning efforts for the next five years of TRANSFORM HF, we knew the diverse perspectives and experiences of our network were integral. Over the last nine months, we tapped into our most valuable resource – you! – to ensure our next steps are reflective of the interests, needs, and priorities of our community. Here’s a look at our findings and next steps.
At TRANSFORM HF, we require the help of people with lived experience (PWLE) to plan the best research projects, test new technologies, and explore how heart failure care can and should be improved. However, it isn’t always a straightforward process for researchers looking to involve patient partners in their research projects or for PWLE who would like to be engaged. We reflect on how our Foundations course is helping to bridge the gap.
TRANSFORM HF made quite an impact in 2024, from funded research to new programs and models of care. Take a look at our year-in-review.
On November 8, 2024, 80+ clinicians, researchers, trainees, people with lived experience, and industry partners joined us for our 7th bi-annual meeting. In addition to fostering potential collaborations, this event clarified some best practices for digital health innovation.
Situated within Canada’s largest hospital network, the Digital Hub facilitates access to cutting edge resources, world class expertise, and diverse patient populations. We understand the unique needs of patients, clinicians, and the healthcare system – and what’s required for your innovation to succeed.
Set in the communities of Moosonee and Moose Factory, “Strengthening our Hearts through a River of Possibilities,” highlights key themes from community members’ stories about managing their heart health.
Data scientist Chris McIntosh and biomedical engineer Dan Franklin first met at a TRANSFORM HF networking event. Now they’re working together with their trainees Will Gao and Matthew Kenyon Lee to develop advanced wearable devices that use AI to produce cleaner data for more reliable insights into heart function.
It took Gloria Stoney five days to get medivaced from her home in Peawanuck to Toronto General Hospital this October when she started experiencing serious cardiac symptoms. She returned home at the end of November.
A new 5-year agreement with Weeneebayko Area Health Authority will support the cardiovascular needs of James and Hudson Bay communities with a focus on direct care and remote management, so that patients like Gloria can access high-quality care close to home.
