Duncan Weatherston

Many medical researchers in Canada continue to build their own AI models to help discover new approaches to help patient outcomes. These prebuilt models allow "healthcare organizations to rapidly build and deploy AI solutions tailored to their specific needs, all while minimizing the extensive compute and data requirements typically associated with building multimodal models from scratch." https://lnkd.in/gw_Naeug #AIinHealth #GenAI #Innovation #Healthcare

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Today Nova Scotia Health and Premier Tim Houston announced a partnership with Google Cloud to drive better health outcomes through the power of AI. We're doing three things: 1. Advanced Search capabilities for Nova Scotians across large corpus of health resources, made available on Nova Scotia Health websites and apps. 2. Better tools for health care professionals to quickly retrieve relevant data for their patients. 3. Support radiologists in reviewing chest X-rays through image anomaly detection technologies. The first two applications have come into the mainstream over the past year or two through GenAI. The third is something I've personally been involved with a few times over the years, with mixed outcomes previously. Back in 2017 (eons ago in AI-years) I worked with a large imaging company in Europe to apply Google's AI anomaly detection algorithms to detect skin malignancies. Unfortunately, at the time, the appropriate national governance frameworks just weren't ready for this, although it could have helped millions of patients, and we had the technology already at Google. To say I've been bothered by this outcome ever since would be an understatement. I'm incredibly proud of the role Google Cloud Consulting and Professional Services, including my own team, have played in the new partnership with Nova Scotia Health, and thrilled about the opportunities this will open. https://lnkd.in/gVjmNnzY

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A huge thanks to the Alberta Virtual Care Coordinating Body (https://lnkd.in/d-dMQzjb) for their insightful work in identifying the entrenched challenges in Canadian healthcare's data infrastructure through their report, Data Disarray (https://lnkd.in/dYDTH9SV). Their analysis highlights what many of us have witnessed firsthand: health information governance in Canada is frustratingly fragmented, undermining the essential goals of portability, accessibility, and truly patient-centered care. This report is a crucial step in rethinking how we govern health data. It’s never just about the technology—it’s about building systems that genuinely serve patients throughout their wellness journey - staying healthy, getting better, and managing their conditions. AVCCB’s work is both a wake-up call and a roadmap, pointing us toward a more unified, patient-first approach to digital health. Bridging these gaps will be challenging, but insights like these make me optimistic about the future of interoperable, patient-centered health information systems in Canada. Kudos to AVCCB for their leadership in identifying these root causes. Let’s continue build on this momentum to drive the transformation our healthcare system needs to truly serve patient needs.

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In today's digital age, the healthcare industry, including pharmacies, increasingly relies on technology to manage patient data, streamline operations, and improve service delivery. However, this reliance on digital systems also brings significant cybersecurity risks that cannot be ignored. Recent cybersecurity incidents in pharmacies across Canada and the US have underscored the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. For instance, London Drugs, a major pharmacy chain in Canada, recently experienced a cyberattack that may have put sensitive customer information at risk. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in their digital infrastructure and the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity protocols​​. Similarly, in the US, Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth, fell victim to a cyberattack earlier this year that compromised patient data and disrupted services. To stem the damage, they paid $22M in bitcoin to the ransomware hackers. However, compromised data, such as protected health information or personally identifiable information, allegedly ended up on the dark web. This breach further illustrates the far-reaching consequences of such attacks on the healthcare sector​​. These incidents are a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate cybersecurity in the pharmacy sector. Protecting patient information is not just a legal and regulatory requirement; it's a fundamental aspect of maintaining patient trust and ensuring the continuity of care. To safeguard against these threats, pharmacies must: - Implement Strong Security Protocols: Regularly update software and systems, use encryption for sensitive data, and establish multi-factor authentication for accessing systems. - Conduct Regular Security Audits: Identify and address vulnerabilities through routine security assessments and penetration testing. - Educate Staff: Provide ongoing training on cybersecurity best practices and the importance of vigilance in preventing cyber threats. - Develop a Response Plan: Establish a robust incident response plan to quickly and effectively address security breaches. By taking these proactive steps, pharmacies can better protect themselves against cyber threats and ensure the safety and privacy of their patients' data. Let's prioritize cybersecurity and work together to create a safer digital environment for the healthcare sector. What do you consider to be the most critical issues in pharmacy cybersecurity today? London Drugs: https://lnkd.in/dJv8jcPb Change Healthcare: https://lnkd.in/dpqWYTWv #Cybersecurity #Pharmacy #DataProtection #HealthcareIT #PatientSafety

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Observations & Predictions (Top 10) Three biggest telecom giants have ceased to exist as telecom companies as they have reinvented themselves! As 2024 ends and 2025 begins - Another sign that we live in an era of software defined industries (SDI). I would go further and say it is a Software Defined World. I borrowed this term from SDV (Software Define Vehicles). This world is marked by millions and zillions of IOT devices in cars, human wearables, warehouses, energy plants, transmission systems, in house smart devices and plethora of sensors ...(the list goes on and on across every industry/vertical i can think of) everywhere around us transmitting data streams in realtime. It is a great relief that some companies like Telus are trying to transform healthcare for people (even though charging us) saving us from an excruciating dysfunctional system teetering on the edge of complete collapse. My observations & predictions going into 2025: 1) All the business domains (better phrase than "verticals") will end up re-inventing themselves. 2) This re-invention will be characterized by CX focussed value streams more than traditionally defined verticals. For example there will be convergence of new businesses that will straddle retail, CPG, supply chain all at once to bring efficiency of scale with digital first in mind. 3) These new companies will straddle digital, physical and virtual seamlessly and effortlessly. 4) All these companies will have a backbone based on a robust customer data platform designed to support - products and apps eco-system that work extremely well with each other while focussed on specialized value streams for specific segments. 5) Competitors will partner with each other while competing in core areas. The CDP platforms will create monetization mechanisms that will make these opportunities impossible to ignore. 6) Every successful company (irrespective of vertical/domain) will actually become custom software platform and product development company working intensely on 1-2 year roadmaps. The competition will be won or lost in software factories that produce, innovate and scale the quickest quarter after quarter. 7) For CIOs & CDOs choice of cloud will become increasingly less relevant as compared to cloud based service characteristics. 8) This is why AI integration into the factory will be critical. This will give businesses unprecedented speed and cut the time between strategy and GTM. The reaction time will be realtime. 9) Future COOs will be technologists with deep understanding of platform architectures, cloud and online service charging mechanisms. This is where massive efficiencies will be gained or lost for all. 10) All the big monolithic ERPs & packaged softwares will slowly become irrelevant. Just like AS-400 & S-390 mainframes; they will be everywhere but will be relevant nowhere sitting in enterprise basements with minimal focus/spending. #techblocks #transformation #SDI #SoftwareFactories

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After securing a $1.5M grant from SCALE AI | Canada's AI Global Innovation Cluster, Fraser Health Authority partnered with Deloitte to address the complex issue of physician scheduling. This challenge is driven by fluctuating patient demand, limited physician availability, and the need to balance various constraints. Ensuring that these factors are managed efficiently is crucial for improving patient care and maintaining the sustainability of the healthcare system. To tackle this, we are leveraging machine learning and mathematical optimization techniques. Forecast models will predict demand levels, helping to determine staffing needs, while optimization algorithms generate multiple scheduling scenarios. This data-driven approach empowers leadership to make informed decisions, ensuring that staffing aligns with patient care demands. By streamlining scheduling processes, we aim to enhance both patient outcomes and physician work conditions. You can find further details through the link:

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Billions of Canadian tax dollars have been spent on proprietary medical software, leading to inefficiencies and high costs in the healthcare system. This has resulted in longer wait times and difficulties in accessing medical care for many Canadians. A new study suggests that adopting free and open-source software (FOSS) could save millions and improve healthcare by eliminating redundancy and promoting interoperability across provinces. Unlike proprietary software, FOSS can be shared and improved upon by anyone, which increases innovation and reduces vendor lock-in. Implementing FOSS in Canada’s healthcare system could lead to significant cost savings and better patient care, freeing up resources for doctors, nurses, and hospital infrastructure. https://lnkd.in/e96RvHz7 How do you think the adoption of open-source software could impact the quality and accessibility of healthcare in Canada? #HealthcareInnovation #OpenSourceSoftware #MedicalTechnology #CostSavings #PatientCare

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MEDITECH's Traverse Exchange is tackling interoperability challenges in Canada with a federated approach that prioritizes data security and reduces technology burdens. Learn how this innovative solution is connecting hospitals, long-term care sites, and even lab systems in this article by Colin Hung. #interoperability #healthcare #canada #EHR #HIT #healthIT #dataexchange #patientexchange #healthdata https://lnkd.in/dZj_YyFd

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Conversations around cloud investments are changing. What began as a cost-saving exercise has come to cost dearly over a period of time. I met the CIO of a major healthcare company in Toronto last week. We were discussing the ways to secure their patient data while bringing a higher level of personalization. Interestingly, we spent the evening talking about the best ways to optimize their investments in the cloud. Turns out that the strategy was not thought through well. While some workloads were moved to the private cloud, others, more sensitive ones were on the public cloud. No wonder their spending outweighs the gains by miles. A planned approach that goes beyond immediate concerns and has farsight towards emerging business needs must precede any cloud deployment. Many companies rush to make initial cost savings but lose sight of optimization opportunities. How do you prioritize your investments, immediate cost savings, or long-term optimization? #cloudcomputing #cloudinvestment #cloudoptimization pic credit - freepik

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The Future of Digital Health, driven by AI and innovation Pleasure to have had this very intriguing and future-focused conversation with Mike Hamilton, President & CEO of GE HealthCare Canada As we celebrate his remarkable journey as a healthcare and medical technology leader driving meaningful patient outcomes and impactful transformation in healthcare, I also learnt key insights for the next wave of healthcare innovation — a future where technology empowers both patients and professionals to achieve better outcomes together. In this article: 👉 AI’s revolution from a buzzword to the backbone of healthcare 👉 Breaking down silos in healthcare 👉 Empowering patients and the rise of consumer-centric care 🔗 Catch our full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/grpy-5Db #Healthcare #DigitalHealth #MedTech #Patientcare #Technology #Innovation #Precisionmedicine #AI mobileLIVE

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The key to interoperability in health data is first declaring on the data standard. Well done US Dept of Health and Human Services. Nova Scotia has already declared on FHIR r4. The more jurisdictions that standardize on FHIR, the more industry will align. Interoperability will improve patient safety and quality of care for citizens. #FHIR #Interoperability

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Change Management is the key to a successful project and solution adoption

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🚨Breaking News! Canada is taking a giant leap forward in healthcare with a $15 million investment in AI development through the Vancouver tech cluster program. 🇨🇦💰💻 #jetsonlife #AIhealthcare This investment will have a huge impact on the industry, including enhanced patient care with AI automating tasks to streamline administrative processes and clinical documentation. 👨‍⚕️📝 But that's not all, a "patient-facing virtual agent" will also improve patient engagement by 30%. 💬 This means better communication and more satisfied patients. 🤝 And let's not forget the new technologies being developed by five medical tech companies, creating opportunities for even better healthcare delivery. 🚀 #healthtech But what does this mean for you? 🤔 First and foremost, it means more efficient healthcare delivery as AI saves hours for doctors, allowing more patient time and much-needed rest. 🙌 Furthermore, doctors will have better access to the latest information, ensuring accurate and efficient care. 💡👩‍🔬 #innovativehealthcare Don't miss out on this exciting news and stay ahead in the AI business automation world. Connect with us for more updates and to join the conversation. Let's grow together! ✨ #connections #authority #AInews #healthcareindustry

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We've just concluded an insightful AWS Public Sector Day focusing on the needs of individuals and caregivers in the diabetes community. A huge thank you to Dr. Mabel Qi He Leow and Sonia Gupta for their engaging fireside chat. Key takeaways: - AI-driven insights helped identify emerging factors impacting consumers and caregivers. - Different perspectives revealed key challenges, paving the way for effective interventions with patients. - A scalable model, combined with traditional methods, acts as an "always-on engine" for understanding health trends and guiding responsive actions. Staying abreast of current diabetes themes is crucial for transforming care management in various settings - home, community, primary care and hospital networks. Let's continue the dialogue and translate these insights into tangible steps forward. #PublicSectorDay #PSDaySingapore #HealthTech

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Mark your calendars for this June 9th educational event to learn more about how nuclear medicine is being used to diagnose and treat many types of #cancer! 📺 It will be live streamed on #youtube Please share with the patients and caregivers in your network! #theranostics #radioligandtherapies #radiopharmaceuticals #advancedtherapies #patientadvocacy

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It's incredible to reflect on the progress made in health data exchange over the past Few decades Today, emerging standards like FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) are revolutionizing the way health data is exchanged, offering more efficient and flexible solutions. Interestingly, the latest version of FHIR includes JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) capabilities, enhancing its interoperability and making it easier to integrate with modern web technologies like JavaScript. This evolution highlights the continuous innovation in the healthcare industry, building upon past efforts like PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) and HL7 standards.

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I came across this interesting article about a pilot program at the Ottawa Hospital, where they're trying out recording a whole appointment and having AI generate the patient notes. At Talkatoo, we’ve spent the last year developing whole appointment recordings and an AI Assistant to help veterinarians harness the power of AI in their practices. So seeing Ottawa Hospital taking part in this AI pilot project feels like a great step forward in showcasing the capabilities of AI. My experience in the veterinary field has shown us that AI-driven appointment recording systems can greatly reduce the administrative burden on healthcare providers. By automating routine tasks, such systems free up valuable time for veterinarians and their staff, allowing them to focus more on patient care. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves client satisfaction through more accurate and timely service. The Ottawa Hospital's initiative highlights the potential of AI to transform healthcare practices, and it resonates deeply with our mission at Talkatoo. The ability of AI to handle administrative tasks can lead to more personalized and effective care strategies, whether in human healthcare or veterinary practices. I’m super excited about the potential for AI to learn from vast amounts of data when it comes to optimising appointment scheduling and patient interactions. As we continue to develop game-changing AI solutions for veterinarians, initiatives like this serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. It's an exciting time to be involved in AI development, and I look forward to seeing how these technologies will continue to evolve and enhance both human and animal healthcare. Check out the original article and let me know your thoughts! https://buff.ly/4cijwAe.

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I know first-hand that building something that positively impacts the world is an incredibly fulfilling journey. I take immense pride in the fact that at smartData Enterprises Inc., we're not just creating software; we're engineering solutions that make a significant difference, especially in healthcare. The majority of our clients operate within the healthcare sector, which means every line of code we write and every software or service we develop has the potential to improve lives. From streamlining hospital workflows to enhancing patient care through telehealth services, our contributions help healthcare providers deliver better and more accessible services. What brings me immense contentment is knowing that our work at smartData Enterprises Inc. helps in managing patient information safely and efficiently, supporting healthcare professionals to make timely decisions, and ultimately contributing to healthier lives. Our commitment to integrating meaningful use standards and ensuring data security in all our healthcare projects is our way of contributing to a larger cause — enhancing global health outcomes. #healthcare #techforpurpose

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