User-friendly Digital Health Tools Now Available in Canada

The nonprofit Cystic Fibrosis Canada has teamed up with technology company iMD Health Global (iMD) to make user-friendly digital health tools for cystic fibrosis (CF) available to both patients and healthcare professionals.

The  goal is to boost understanding of the disease and how to best manage it.

Through its iMD Health platform, the Canadian software company comprises the largest database of “reliable, trusted, and up-to-date health information for patients and their families,” according to the iMD website.

Patients can find a healthcare professional through the platform using innovative technology, Cystic Fibrosis Canada says. The digital platform was designed to launch and improve dialogue between patients and healthcare professionals in the examination room, from hospital bedsides, via pharmacy conferencing, and through online consultations.

Additionally, it contains over 110,000 educational graphics, videos, and resources — designed in a user-friendly and visually appealing manner — that are readily accessible to healthcare professionals and patients across Canada. With the new partnership, these tools will include the latest guidelines and standard care tools for CF in the country.

“iMD’s platform will allow healthcare providers to be able to access our most recent Canadian cystic fibrosis guidelines and standards of care with ease,” John Wallenburg, PhD, chief scientific officer at Cystic Fibrosis Canada, said in a press release.

“We are thrilled that these guidelines and other educational resources will now be available through iMD, improving access, communication and understanding for care providers and their patients living with cystic fibrosis,” he added.

The partnership comes at a time when digital health is being increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for both healthcare providers and patients. Such tools give “a more holistic view of patient health through access to data and giving patients more control over their health,” as stated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

According to the agency, digital tools empower patients to better understand their disease, and provide the most updated treatment and dignostic and care management options. All of that helps patients to make informed choices regarding their health.

“We are excited to collaborate with Cystic Fibrosis Canada in order to provide our healthcare providers with trusted resources to help them better manage their patients living with cystic fibrosis,” said Jared Sonnenberg, vice president of iMD.

“We are pleased [toprovide] our Users with better access to information regarding cystic fibrosis in a time when it is crucial to be properly informed,” he added.