PROVINCIAL laboratories are testing digital tools and innovative solutions to support more rapid diagnostic services to improve access to testing for people living with diseases, such as cancer, throughout B.C.

Teams of researchers will explore the ability to securely share high-quality images across a common platform for pathologists in other locations in B.C. to perform diagnoses and provide secondary consultations. Implementing digital tools and a provincial cloud solution will support more rapid diagnostic services and the ability to use artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative algorithms to improve health service delivery to people in British Columbia.

Through B.C.’s Integrated Marketplace, delivered by Innovate BC, the Province and PacifiCan are contributing up to $2.65 million that will support three projects through a new testbed hosted by Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS), a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). By testing the critical parts of a secure end-to-end digital pathology solution, the project teams will help reshape how pathology services are delivered in B.C.

“The Integrated Marketplace is about scaling up technology to help B.C. companies grow and provide jobs, while providing real-world solutions to big challenges,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, on Monday. “These new projects have the potential to strengthen our economy and contribute to a stronger health-care system that will improve people’s lives.”

Testing new digital tools will help integrate and strengthen existing digital pathology services used by B.C. health authorities and improve service delivery in rural and remote areas. Sites that will test elements of an integrated provincial system that reflects their own case-use and system requirements will include labs in Northern Health Authority, Vancouver General Hospital, BC Cancer – Vancouver Centre and St. Paul’s Hospital.

“By harnessing the power of innovation and partnerships, the Integrated Marketplace is creating a dynamic environment where B.C. companies are testing and developing the technologies of tomorrow,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan). “This new project will provide solutions to challenges faced by health-care providers in B.C. and around the world, ensuring critical care for British Columbians.”

“We recently marked one year since the release of B.C.’s 10-year Cancer Action Plan and the work we’re announcing today plays an important role in the delivery of that plan to improve on diagnostic pathways for cancer and modernize our system,” said Dr Kim Chi, executive vice-president, BC Cancer, PHSA. “I’d also like to acknowledge the driver behind this project – Innovate BC. Their mandate to accelerate the growth and success of B.C. companies is a key component of this work. Without their foresight, we wouldn’t be in a position to advance cancer diagnoses in the province and develop digital pathology capabilities to benefit patients.”

Results from the projects will be used to inform the future investment in an integrated digital pathology system. The new PHSA testbed is part of the Province’s Integrated Marketplace, which works to link a group of strategic buyers with local companies to implement, scale up and export B.C. technology solutions. It is part of B.C.’s Industrial Blueprint and is supported by PacifiCan.

“The digital pathology testbed project at BC Cancer is revolutionizing cancer diagnosis by enabling instant and remote pathology review,” said Dr. Gang Wang, BC Cancer pathologist and lead for the BC Cancer testbed node. “Our partnership with northern B.C. hospitals is crucial, as it ensures timely and accurate consultations, bringing advanced diagnostic services to underserved regions and improving patient outcomes across the province.”

This announcement is part of the Government of B.C.’s investment of as much as $11.5 million, and the Government of Canada’s investment, through PacifiCan, of as much as $9.9 million in the Integrated Marketplace.

Clean and Competitive: A Blueprint for B.C.’s Industrial Future lays out the Province’s work to drive new investment, create new jobs and seize new opportunities in growing clean energy and sustainable industries. Leveraging B.C.’s strengths to create good jobs and opportunities in every community will improve quality of life, while strengthening B.C.’s diverse economy.