Preventing violence and enhancing safety by optimizing the use of remote monitoring technologies in rehabilitation settings

This fellowship will support the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network (TRI-UHN) in addressing the critical challenge of preventing violence across its diverse rehabilitation sites by optimizing the use of remote monitoring technologies (e.g. video-cameras, motion sensors). While the use of remote monitoring technologies for quality improvement such as fall prevention is becoming more popular, it has yet to be implemented systematically and has yet to be used for the purpose of violence prevention. Little formative research has been conducted on diverse stakeholders' (e.g. patients and families, health care providers and program directors) perceptions of remote monitoring technologies, and policies and guidelines are limited in directing implementation. Safety has recently been identified as a major organizational impact goal for TRI-UHN, along with an interest in expanding the use of remote monitoring technologies to prevent violence and enhance safety. In partnership with the University of Toronto, this two-year experiential fellowship will focus on developing, implementing and evaluating a protocol for use of remote technologies to prevent violence. This will offer the opportunity to develop and strengthen the following enriched competencies: leadership, mentorship, and collaboration; change management and implementation; and analysis and evaluation of health and health-related policies and programs.