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INNOVATION UPDATES
Obie for
Older Adults
The Obie interactive console projects games onto any surface - tabletops, floors, and walls - encouraging active play through touching, moving, and hand-eye coordination skills on the displayed images. Since growing in popularity among clients and staff, two additional Obie projectors have been installed across campus in 2023 - one on the 3rd floor of the Hospital and one on the 7th floor of the Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged.
Check out out Obie feature in the Winter 2022 issue of Brain Matters that includes a Gift of Thanks donation for the purchase of Baycrest’s first Obie device.
Over the past year, our innovative virtual reality (VR) program has experienced remarkable growth and recognition. We have successfully facilitated 1,178 VR sessions in the Apotex, 857 sessions in the PCU, and an impressive 1,485 sessions at Baycrest Hospital. Our dedicated team has trained approximately 10 volunteers to support VR across the Apotex and Hospital, further strengthening our program. To accommodate the increasing demand for VR, we have also invested in two additional VR systems with upgraded hardware, expanding our reach to additional groups such as the Terraces Memory Care floor.
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed, as we had the opportunity to present at the BSOT Rounds on June 23, 2022, with BIO as a co-presenter. Additionally, our impact on responsive behaviors was highlighted in the Spring 2023 issue of Brain Matters. We are thrilled to announce that we have secured 2023 CABHI SPARK funding to pursue a formal study of using VR as a non-pharmacological leisure intervention for responsive behaviors. The success of our program has attracted the attention of other organizations and facilities, such as Bayshore, UHN Toronto Rehab, and Mon Sheong DC, who are now interested in piloting or implementing VR in their own facilities. We are currently discussing support for a pilot project with Digital Health at Bayshore, solidifying our position as a leader in this transformative field.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Implementation of Possibilities Innovation Framework & Planned MC Floor Tech Package
This past year, we have made significant strides in developing the Digital Innovation Pathway as part of the care pathways under the Possibilities by Baycrest™ umbrella. We have also successfully implemented a variety of technologies, including Tovertafel, TrueLoo, AltumView, Alexa, and Cubigo, with BedSense slated to be introduced in 2023.
To further support our staff, we have devised strategic workflows that encompass a range of resources and initiatives. Staff can now access GTKMT online via RedCap, participate in monthly data reviews, in-services, and training sessions, and utilize digital resources. Regular weekly meetings with vendors have also been implemented to ensure ongoing collaboration and improvements. In the near future, we also plan to introduce QI/Idea boards during staff shift change huddles to encourage the sharing of ideas and facilitate continuous improvement.
Home Society Innovation Projects:In late fall 2022, BIO collaborated with the Baycrest Foundation to create and pitch a presentation to a charitable group, the Home Society. After a successful pitch, BIO was granted a generous donation of $100,000 to support innovation projects across the Baycrest campus.
The first funding of its kind dedicated to driving the impact of innovation, BIO reached out to staff in a competitive process to identify a group of projects to support using the donor funds, starting in Feb 2023. Five innovation projects have been identified and are in progress.
Home Society
Innovation Projects
Baycrest Hearing Services
With BIO’s support, the Baycrest Hearing Services introducedan innovative online hearing screening tool, along with a free 15-minute consultation with an Audiologist.
This initiative has already attracted approximately 1000 users who have completed the screening tool, with 64 of them requesting a consultation with an Audiologist.
The overwhelmingly positive response to the pilot is reflected in its impressive 95% net promoter score, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to providing accessible and high-quality services to our community.
BRAINWAVES: Innovations in Aging is a conference and expo highlighting innovations that advance the health and well-being of aging adults within our community and beyond.
Taking place November 7-8, BRAINWAVES will reinforce Baycrest’s position as a leader in the innovation sector while strengthening the culture of innovation at Baycrest and in the wider healthcare sector and inspire innovative thinking and action.
Attendees will gain knowledge of the projects, programs and new ideas currently in development, aimed at enhancing the lives of aging adults.
Experience innovative technologies and practices used across healthcare and beyond, learn from dynamic speakers and leave with the curiosity of knowing that anything is possible.
Upcoming Conference & Expo
Come Say Hi!
Book a time below and stop by our office, 2E06A (the old Hospital Library), Tuesdays to Thursdays from 12 to 1pm. You can also use the sign-up sheet on our door to schedule a tour. Please give us a minimum of 24 hours to confirm your tour timeslot.
Stay Up-to-Date on Innovation at Baycrest
There are many ways to be a part of Baycrest's innovation community. Sign up and choose which options best suit your innovation needs. Please note, innovation updates will only be sent periodically.
