• RNAO

• Nursing Innovation Grant

1) Georgian College: Certification, Registered Nurse Prescribing Education: Safe and Ethical PracticeCertification, Registered Nurse Prescribing Education: Safe and Ethical Practice. Jan 2024 – Mar 2024

2) Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute: Certification, Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing. Sep 2020 – May 2023

3) University of Ottawa: Master’s degree, Nursing Science. Sep 2020 – Apr 2022

4) York University: Bachelor of Nursing Science, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. 2015 – 2017

5) Western University: Bachelor of Science. 2011 – 2015

The target audience for HealthConnect Ontario includes adults in Ontario seeking convenient, accessible healthcare for preventative medicine. This innovation enables patients to consult with Registered Nurses for birth control, vaccinations, wound care, allergy management, and travel medications, all from the comfort of their homes. By leveraging telehealth technology, HealthConnect Ontario eliminates geographical barriers, reduces wait times, and enhances healthcare accessibility, ensuring timely medical advice and prescriptions. This service particularly benefits those with limited mobility, busy schedules, or living in remote areas, promoting a healthier community through preventive care and education.

HealthConnect Ontario stands out by offering a unique blend of convenience, accessibility, and comprehensive care through its virtual platform. Unlike traditional healthcare services that require in-person visits, our platform connects patients with Registered Nurses who have prescriptive authority, providing timely and essential preventive medicine services, including birth control, vaccinations, wound care, allergy management, and travel medications. This approach not only reduces geographical and logistical barriers but also ensures continuous care through secure, remote consultations. Our focus on preventive medicine, coupled with seamless integration with pharmacy networks and electronic health records, offers a holistic, patient-centric experience. HealthConnect Ontario is committed to improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas, making high-quality care available to all Ontarians.

HealthConnect Ontario addresses the critical issue of healthcare accessibility in Ontario, particularly for preventive medicine. Many Ontarians face challenges such as long wait times, geographical barriers, and limited access to healthcare providers, especially in remote or underserved areas. Traditional in-person consultations often require significant time and travel, deterring individuals from seeking timely preventive care. Additionally, the growing demand for healthcare services strains the existing system, leading to delays in care. By offering virtual consultations with Registered Nurses who can prescribe essential preventive treatments like birth control, vaccinations, and wound care medications, HealthConnect Ontario eliminates these barriers. This innovation ensures that all Ontarians, regardless of location or mobility, have access to timely, professional medical advice and prescriptions, promoting overall community health and preventing the escalation of minor health issues into major ones.

HealthConnect Ontario will significantly impact nursing practice by expanding the role of Registered Nurses (RNs) in telehealth and preventive care. This innovation empowers RNs with prescriptive authority to provide essential medical services remotely, enhancing their scope of practice and professional autonomy. It will also influence nursing education by necessitating training in telehealth technology, virtual patient interactions, and remote diagnostic skills, preparing nurses for evolving healthcare landscapes. For nursing work/life balance, the platform offers flexible working arrangements, reducing burnout and increasing job satisfaction by allowing RNs to work from various locations. By integrating RNs into a virtual healthcare model, HealthConnect Ontario promotes a holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing prevention and accessibility. This contribution not only advances the nursing profession but also ensures that high-quality, patient-centered care is delivered efficiently, benefiting both nurses and patients

Phase 1: Internal Implementation

Platform Setup: Develop and deploy the telehealth platform with user-friendly interfaces for both patients and nurses.

Secure Systems: Ensure robust data security measures to comply with privacy regulations, including end-to-end encryption and secure authentication methods.
Recruitment and Training:

Pilot Testing: Beta Launch: Conduct a pilot phase with a small group of patients and nurses to test the system’s functionality, identify potential issues, and gather feedback for improvements.

Evaluation and Refinement: Analyze feedback and performance metrics to refine the platform and processes before a full-scale launch.

Phase 2: Full-Scale Launch

Wider Rollout: Gradually increase the number of patients and nurses using the platform, ensuring smooth transitions and scalability.

Educational Campaigns: Implement educational campaigns to inform the public about the services offered, how to access the platform, and the benefits of preventive care.

User Support: Provide robust customer support to assist patients with technical issues, appointment scheduling, and understanding their health needs.

Phase 3: External Implementation

Partnerships: Forge partnerships (i.e., for referrals) with other healthcare organizations, clinics, and pharmacies to extend the reach.

Pharmacy Networks: Connect with pharmacy networks to facilitate seamless prescription fulfillment and medication management.

Phase 4: Continuous Improvement

Patient Surveys: Regularly collect feedback from patients to assess satisfaction, identify areas for improvement, and enhance the user experience.

Nurse Feedback: Gather input from RNs to understand their needs, challenges, and suggestions for platform improvements.

Continuous Education: Offer ongoing training opportunities for RNs to stay updated on the latest telehealth practices, technologies, and healthcare regulations.

Quality Improvement: Implement quality improvement initiatives based on performance data to continuously enhance the platform and services provided.

Paul Kim, Founder, director, RN NSWOCC, RN prescriber.