Cameron Sehl

St. Francis Xavier University

Project location: Nova Scotia, Canada

Improving Health Outcomes Through Patient Engagement

What was the initiative?

Cameron’s initiative was the development and implementation of Symbi Medical, a digital health platform aimed at improving patient compliance and care continuity. Piloted at St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish, Nova Sotia, Symbi guided patients through their pre- and post-operative care using a web-based interface accessible on any device. The platform successfully facilitated 1,296 patient interactions during the pilot phase and improved patient compliance rates from 25% to 83%. By providing tailored care plans and reminders, Symbi reduced patient anxiety, improved health outcomes, and alleviated the workload of healthcare providers. The initiative emphasized accessibility by being cost-free for patients, aiming to transform healthcare delivery in rural and under-resourced areas.

What was the community connection?

Cameron’s connection with this community stemmed from his early days as a personal support worker for adults with developmental exceptionalities. Through this work, he was exposed to systemic healthcare problems in Canada. Following this experience, he moved to Hong Kong where he was able to support early-stage medical technology companies while working at the venture capital firm Brinc. He spent the following summer in India as a health innovation researcher, creating a documentary film on global health innovation. Following this work, he began developing Symbi Medical.

How was it innovative?

The initiative was innovative because it redefined post-operative care through a digital platform that bridged the gap between patients and healthcare providers. Uniquely designed through close collaboration with patients and healthcare provides, Symbi addressed the pervasive issue of fragmented follow-up care by creating a user-friendly interface with tailored care plans. Symbi also addressed logistical and administrative challenges faced by healthcare teams, such as streamlining communication and reducing workload, while pioneering a replicable model for digitally enhanced healthcare delivery. This comprehensive solution demonstrated a significant potential for scaling within Canada and internationally, showcasing the transformative role of digital innovation in healthcare systems.

What is Cameron doing now?

In 2021, Symbi Medical was acquired by Blue Charm Adherence, a Canadian healthcare technology company. Cameron continues to work with Blue Charm as an Advisor and Chief Commercial Officer.