A Canadian Rural Living Lab Hospital: Implementing solutions for improving rural emergency care

ABSTRACT Introduction More than 6 million Canadians live in rural areas (approximately 20% of the population) and emergency services are a critical safety net for them. Objectives We want to create, in Baie-Saint-Paul (rural emergency department, Quebec, Canada), an experimental milieu where all stakeholders develop, implement and evaluate solutions to address the problems that beset their environment. Method The Living Lab will rely on the quadruple aim approach to improve health system performance and will use a multimethod approach based on the philosophy of open and user-driven innovation. Three pilot projects will be implemented (quality of work life programme, computed tomography implementation study and telemedicine in ambulances). Other possible solutions will be evaluated and prioritised (in situ simulation, care protocol, telemedicine, point-of-care ultrasound, helicopters and drones). Conclusion We are confident that this Living Lab will contribute to saving lives, will improve the quality of work life for rural healthcare professionals, and will inspire similar innovation internationally.