From left: Dr. Ilan Lenga, Chief Information Officer, Lakeridge Health; Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University; Cynthia Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lakeridge Health; Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Ontario Tech University (at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, October 10, 2024).
In a groundbreaking new initiative, Lakeridge Health has teamed with Ontario Tech University to drive health-care innovation and address Durham Region's evolving health needs using artificial intelligence (AI). The Partnership for Advanced Technology in Health Care (PATH) seeks to enhance patient care and improve health outcomes for the community through the sharing of cutting-edge research with practical applications.
This landmark collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, combines the clinical expertise of Lakeridge Health and the academic strengths of Ontario Tech to help advance research and elevate practical health-care services through the responsible use of AI.
"Partnering with Ontario Tech University allows us to explore cutting-edge AI solutions that will give our staff and physicians more time to focus on what truly matters delivering exceptional care to our patients," says Dr. Ilan Lenga, Chief Information Officer at Lakeridge Health. "As Durham Region grows and its population changes, we face significant challenges such as the global shortage of health-care workers. Through this partnership, we aim to alleviate these pressures by using AI to allow our teams to focus on direct patient care, and ultimately position our region as a leader in health-care innovation."
The collaboration signals Lakeridge Health's ongoing commitment to seeking new and effective ways to meet the health needs of its communities. With Ontario Tech University, an academic hub for innovative research with real-world applications, Lakeridge Health plans to develop AI tools that will foster a more sustainable local health system for generations to come.
"Without question, the rapid advent of artificial intelligence (AI) places every industry, including health care, on the precipice of major change, and we need to be proactive in this exciting new world," says Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University. "Our university champions the ethical application of technology and innovation to improve lives. This amazing collaboration with Lakeridge Health will showcase the importance of AI, and how it can be used as a tool to enhance health outcomes."
Lakeridge Health has long been at the forefront of health-care innovation, having introduced tools like the Emergency Department Wait Times Tracker, in partnership with another post-secondary institution, and Epic, a unified digital health record system. This new partnership further reinforces the organization's dedication to integrating technology that benefits both patients and health-care providers.
Ontario Tech University also has a deep history of collaborating with organizations, local and abroad, to uncover solutions to their pressing problems and to provide further learning opportunities for its students. One such example is Ontario Tech's ongoing initiative with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind to develop explainable AI accessibility standards that will help eliminate unintentional societal barriers. The university's new collaboration with Lakeridge Health provides a unique learning opportunity for Ontario Tech students a new generation of leaders in health care and technology as they work to uncover AI solutions that will improve health-care services across Durham Region and beyond.
"As data science, artificial intelligence and new technologies comprise one of Ontario Tech's strategic research priority areas, this vital community collaboration with Lakeridge Health aligns perfectly with the university's research and teaching strengths and its mission to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world," says Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Ontario Tech University. "This new initiative takes our already strong partnership with Lakeridge in exciting new directions, while also affording our diverse and talented students access to new work-integrated learning opportunities."
"While there is often enthusiasm about the potential of new technology, it may also be met with apprehension," explains Dr. Lenga. "We are deeply committed to ensuring AI is used ethically and equitably, focusing on the enhancement rather than replacement of human capabilities, to deliver better, more inclusive outcomes for all."
As this partnership advances, Lakeridge Health will focus on identifying clinical opportunities to improve care quality and efficiency. Areas of exploration include patient safety monitoring, readmission prediction, and optimizing administrative workflows, all of which stand to benefit from AI-driven solutions developed by students and researchers at Ontario Tech University.
Cynthia Davis, President and CEO of Lakeridge Health, noted the importance of partnerships like this for the future of health care in Durham Region: "Our commitment to delivering high-quality care is exemplified by our willingness to embrace new ways of thinking. Collaborations with exceptional academic institutions, like Ontario Tech, are key to building a health-care system that not only serves today's needs, but also anticipates the challenges of tomorrow."
Stay tuned to learn more about how this new venture is making an impact in Durham Region.
About Lakeridge Health
With five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a full range of medical and surgical specialties, more than 20 community health-care locations and a state-of-the-art surgical centre within the soon-to-open Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre, Lakeridge Health offers some of the broadest and most comprehensive acute care, ambulatory care, and long-term care services in Ontario.
Lakeridge Health is also home to several regional specialty centres and services, including the Central East Regional Cancer Program, R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre, The Shoulder Centre, and eye care and chronic kidney disease services. Additionally, we are proud to serve our community with a full suite of inpatient, ambulatory, and community-based mental health and addictions services, and provide safe, high-quality, compassionate care in our state-of-the-art long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens.
Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of more than 8,700 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a proud member of the Durham Ontario Health Team (Durham OHT) and works in collaboration with the Durham OHT, as well as primary care, and community and government partners to foster a truly integrated, regional system of care. Together, we are focused on empowering people to live their best health and fostering an accessible, inclusive, and equitable environment for all.
About Ontario Tech University
Ontario Tech University stands at the forefront of innovation, advancing technology that uplifts humanity and safeguards our planet. We embody a 'tech with a conscience' ethos, using cutting-edge technology advancements to enhance lives and empower communities, and preparing ethical leaders ready to tackle tomorrow's challenges.
We don't just imagine a better future; we build it. Our groundbreaking work in clean energy technologies is driving Canada towards a net-zero future, integrating low-carbon solutions into our communities and improving climate resilience.
As a hub for groundbreaking research with real-world applications, from building trustworthy AI systems, to investigating small modular reactors, to revolutionizing dementia care through ethical technology, we lead with our values, committing to creating positive change in society.
