Health economic impact of AI-enabled in-home healthcare in rural Ontario

Canada’s healthcare system is under mounting pressure from rising patient volumes, overburdened emergency departments, and long wait times for care in the home as well as long-term care. These challenges are especially acute in rural and underserved communities, where access to timely and continuous care remains limited. This case study explores the health economic impact of an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled model of care that expedites patients’ transition from hospital to home in Southeastern Ontario. The project is federally funded by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and is a collaboration among Gotcare, Quinte Health, and the Reach Alliance.

This study will build on the clinical evaluation and qualitative research already underway and will take into consideration the importance of health economic sustainability. It will assess the projected impact of scaling the program across Ontario and, subsequently, Canada. At a macro level, this study aims to understand the overall cost savings to the healthcare system by diverting patients away from over reliance on emergency services when they are failing to cope in the community and increasing patient flow by servicing those who are waitlisted for long-term care or additional in-home care services to transition back into the community and home setting. At the service delivery level, it will analyze the economic and operational impact of Gotcare’s unique care model. The program approach focuses on empowering patients to self-manage better and instigate changes to their living space to optimize function, safety and overall well-being. This is accomplished by the deployment of an appropriate level of technology and patient coaching and education. Essentially, this economic analysis will help assess the program’s role in alleviating pressure and mitigating costs/optimize resources on the broader healthcare system.

Overall, this case study aims to offer clear insights into how this kind of AI-enabled care can support both improved health outcomes and a more sustainable, cost-effective healthcare system. The findings will inform policy conversations about scaling innovative care models across Canada—especially those that work in underserved and rural communities.