Driving quality and timely healthcare in remote locations with integrated medical support technologies
Space agencies around the world are preparing for the next steps in human space exploration, including planning upcoming lunar missions and driving the vision to venture beyond. To ensure the health and safety of astronauts on long missions, The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) launched Health Beyond, an initiative that explores how Canada can contribute innovative solutions for remote healthcare in space and on Earth.
With funding provided by the CSA, CGI led a consortium of five other organizations including PrecisionOS, Hexoskin (Carré Technologies Inc.), OKAKI Health Intelligence, 12Volt: Games Studio, and Dr. Carolyn McGregor of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Our collaboration led to the creation of the Harmony Medical Module, an intelligent medical pod developed by leveraging our space and health industry expertise.
Hal Tierney, CGI’s Director and Healthcare Leader for Advanced Analytics and Data Science was instrumental in securing the bid to develop the Connected Care Medical Module and was the creative mind behind the name “Harmony”, an acronym for “Health and Resilience Medical Operations Node Yonder.” Although Hal tragically passed away before seeing the completion of this initiative, we honor his invaluable contributions to the health and wellbeing of those working and living in remote environments.
Revolutionizing access to health and wellness services
Space exploration poses significant challenges, including extended communication delays with Earth and limited access to healthcare during long space missions. Living and working in extreme environments during these missions can negatively impact the human body. The Harmony Medical Module offers a solution not just for lunar missions but also for Earth-based applications, providing complex care in remote locations, isolated communities, disaster relief efforts, and military operations.
AI-enabled biometric monitoring: enhancing detection, diagnosis, and treatment
One of the main challenges CGI and our collaborators faced was delivering an integrated, asynchronous, remote healthcare solution that operates in connected and disconnected environments. In the absence of medical professionals, the container is equipped with tools and training to enable remote detection, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of certain health conditions.
Our final prototype features an interactive virtual concierge that guides remote patients through a standardized care process while supporting individual needs. Underpinned by an electronic medical record (EMR) platform, the system seamlessly integrates data from wearable smart garments, AI-analyzed biometric analysis, and other telemetry devices. It provides integrated behavioral health and wellness screenings through real-time interfaces and even incorporates virtual reality (VR)-based skills training to ensure users maintain current ‘hands-on’ first-aid skills.
These customizable and flexible telemedicine services can lead to faster quality care, refined clinical decision-making, and a reduced need for risky and costly medical transportation from remote areas.
In healthcare emergencies, every second counts. CGI’s virtual concierge acts as a guide using familiar cues like sound, directional lighting, instructional videos, screen prompts, and automated checklists to help users navigate unfamiliar technologies. This assistance ensures that they can perform key tasks without needing to consult user guides or recall complex procedures.
The need for specialized consulting and integration expertise
Chosen as one of five companies to create a Connected Care Medical Module (C2M2) prototype, CGI took a unique, user-centric approach. We began by mapping the user journey, identifying pain points, and designing a workflow to address them. Leveraging our consulting expertise, we storyboarded the entire user experience before building a fully functional EMR system with integrated telemedicine capabilities. The result is a seamless, intuitive, and fully immersive experience, complete with audio and visual cues to guide the user journey.
CGI’s Harmony Medical Module is a result of collaboration that has brought together diverse technologies, including VR for medical training, AI-enabled biometric monitoring, and the creation of a multisensory smart container environment. CGI’s extensive expertise in systems integration has uniquely positioned us to create an immersive system that operates harmoniously. From the moment a user enters the module, they are enveloped in a technological system designed to support their well-being, comfort, security, education, healthcare, connectivity, and communication needs.
Interactive virtual concierge
guides remote patients through a standardized care process
Integrated data
from wearable smart garments and AI-analyzed biometric analysis
The future of autonomous healthcare for remote populations
The Harmony Medical Module represents a significant step forward in driving innovative healthcare solutions to better serve people on Earth and beyond. As active members of the “Health Beyond Community,” we regularly participate in expert focus groups hosted by the CSA. We continue to advise the CSA on the module’s development, ensuring it evolves into practical, space-ready technology. Through engagements like these, CGI strengthens its position as a thought leader in emerging technologies and innovation in the space and healthcare sectors.
