Health Technologies and Practices
Despite many technological developments, a number of promising innovations are not being optimally used in the health system. Identifying the best strategies for ensuring significant patient involvement in the decisions surrounding the use of technologies in health care and services is important.
Dr. Marie-Pierre Gagnon, Canada Research Chair in Health Technologies and Practices, is interested in patient and public involvement in projects aimed at integrating information and communication technologies. Examples include portable monitors to motivate diabetics to exercise, as well as online information and education programs aimed at current and future parents. Participants in these studies are involved right from day one so that the interventions respond to their needs.
Gagnon and her research team consider patients to be key actors in the innovation process, supporting several innovative and collaborative projects where patients directly influence technological choices. Working in close cooperation with decision-makers, they also support patient and public consultation on the technologies and interventions to be prioritized by health organizations.
Gagnon’s research is helping develop best practices in getting patients involved in decisions on technological innovation in the health field, with a view to making care and services more effective, relevant and sustainable.