Home Health Monitoring Project improves quality of life for people across Central Alberta

September 12, 2023 (Edmonton, Alberta) – In 2012, Pearl O’Gorman received a diabetes diagnosis. This life-changing condition had a history within her family, so her parents’ experience offered some familiarity, but the daily lifestyle adjustments were still overwhelming and a difficult adjustment.

“My parents had diabetes, but we never really talked about it,” Pearl says. “When I was diagnosed, I was confused and overwhelmed.”

In 2021, Pearl’s primary care physician at the Red Deer Primary Care Network (PCN) recommended her for the Home Health Monitoring (HHM) Project. The HHM Project utilizes proven digital technologies that allow nurses and physicians to monitor their patients remotely. For Pearl, this meant she could maintain the same, if not higher, levels of support and care for her condition while in the comfort of her own home and minimizing the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

Pearl was enthusiastic about this innovative and empowering approach to managing her condition and looked forward to the added support the project would provide.

“I was excited to participate. Seeing the daily measurements was encouraging,” Pearl shares. “After completing the project, my blood sugar levels and weight had improved. My lifestyle has changed. The extra support made a difference. I feel like a new me.”

The HHM Project displayed groundbreaking results. Pearl’s story is one of many inspiring examples of how the program has positively impacted the lives of Alberta Seniors living with chronic illness.

The HHM Project was a collaborative effort led by the Alberta Central Zone PCN Committee with Health Cities serving as a catalyst in the testing and scaling of the pilot. The Alberta Central Zone PCN stretches across the province between Edmonton and Calgary – they work with rural communities and alongside over 350 physicians to provide primary care for nearly 400,000 patients within the zone. The initial HHM Project involved the Wolf Creek, Drayton Valley and Kalyna County PCNs and has since been scaled to include more Central Zone PCNs.

The Wolf Creek PCN provides service to the communities of Bashaw, Bowden, Eckville, Innisfail, Lacombe, Ponoka and more.

The Drayton Valley PCN provides service to the communities of Alsike, Breton, Carnwood, Drayton Valley, Pembina, Winfield and more.

The Kalyna County PCN provides service to the communities of Innisfree, Islay, Mannville, Vegreville, Vermilion, Viking and more.

Health Cities is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to transforming healthcare solutions. Health Cities played a crucial role in creating an impactful project – supporting and helping people with chronic conditions better understand their health. Their dedication to improving healthcare solutions has brought transformative change to the lives of countless individuals like Pearl O’Gorman.

The success achieved through the Remote Monitoring Project demonstrates that using innovative and collaborative strategies to enhance healthcare management has a positive impact on individuals like Pearl, diagnosed with chronic conditions. Health Cities is committed to addressing key health challenges and adopting healthcare solutions that positively impact people’s lives.