Health & Health Technology
Applied Research Projects in Health & Health Technology advance healthcare through new instructional prototypes, innovative medical tools, and improved patient outcomes.
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We work with partners in postsecondary institutions, healthcare, and industry to help improve quality of life for patients. Our research in education and training aims to strengthen healthcare system capacity and outcomes by applying emerging technologies and advancing preventative care.
Join us on a journey of innovation and exploration—working together to shape the future of healthcare.
Our Projects
Exploring how immersive tech can reshape healthcare education and prepare students for the real world.
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Virtual Reality (VR) Focused Assessment Tool
Timeframe:
to
Nursing programs often face challenges with skills testing in labs where students usually have to practise assessments on healthy classmates, limiting experience with real symptoms. This can hamper graduates’ confidence and competency with real patients until they gain significant clinical experience.
This problem inspired the development of a Virtual Reality Focused Assessment (VRFA) tool.
How does this project help?
Bow Valley College developed VR health assessment simulations focusing on cardiovascular, along with ear, nose, and throat systems. These simulations immerse nursing students in interactive 3D environments that replicate hospital wards, operating rooms, and other health care settings, allowing them to practice and refine their skills safely.
What are the outcomes?
Bow Valley College and ICOM Productions co-developed three new VR health assessment scenarios: one for the cardiovascular system, one for the eyes, and one for the ears, nose, and throat. This work supports Bow Valley College’s vision to shape the future of education.
Student Outcome: The integration of these VR scenarios into the Practical Nurse curriculum has led to a significant increase in students' self-perceived confidence levels. Approximately 750 nursing students now utilize the VR tools annually.
Partner outcome: This project helped our industry partner, ICOM, strengthen its business processes and gain valuable experience collaborating with a post-secondary institution.
Product commercialization: The project team used Bow Valley College’s strong connections to open conversations with other post-secondary institutions. Interest in the product has been strong, and ICOM continues with marketing efforts.
Health Care Aide Student Buddyship
Timeframe:
January 2023
to
June 2024
Health Care Aides (HCAs) provide nearly 80% of direct care for older adults in Canada—both in long-term care and at home. They’re the frontline of support for our aging population.
How does this project help?
During final clinical placements, students work alongside industry HCAs for guidance. But without standardized training, the support they receive varies—shaped by facility culture, staffing levels, and each HCA buddy’s approach.
This project identifies those gaps and recommends ways to improve the buddy system to ensure all students get the support they need to deliver effective, consistent care to patients.
The project was completed and results shared with the funder, CLPNA. It recommends the development of standardized training to help HCAs effectively support students during clinical placements.
Social Humanoid Robot as a Memory Aid for People with Dementia
Timeframe:
August 2022
to
August 2027
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 50 million people worldwide live with dementia, with 10 million new cases each year. That number is expected to reach 82 million by 2030 and 152 million by 2050.
In Canada alone, more than 477,000 seniors live with diagnosed dementia—a number that continues to grow alongside the aging population.
Dementia affects memory, reasoning, judgment, mood, behaviour, and communication—making daily life harder and increasing the risk of isolation and loss of independence. There’s no cure, and supporting people with dementia in the community is a major public health challenge. While approaches vary across countries, the shared goal is to help people live well and safely in their own homes for as long as possible.
How does this project help?
The study was planned in three phases. Phase 1 is now complete and focused on identifying a list of use cases and tasks. In Phase 2, these will be used to program Pepper, the robot, and the prototype will be introduced to the dementia community for feedback.
Connect with us
Bow Valley College
345 - 6 Avenue SE,
Calgary, AB T2G 4V1
+1 403-410-1400
1-866-428-2669 (toll free)