At the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), data isn’t just collected—it’s actively shaping the future of patient care. With a vision to transform healthcare delivery through data-driven innovation, MUHC is leading a shift toward a learning health system—one where insights drive continuous improvement and tangible impact.
But achieving this vision requires more than just data. It requires the right strategy, the right tools, and, most importantly, a culture that embraces change. That’s why MUHC is leveraging the ADAMS Playbook methodology to create a structured, scalable approach to healthcare innovation. It’s been an honor to be part of McGill’s journey and to see how they organize their organization around driving value and impact.
Bridging the Data-to-Decision Gap
Healthcare generates 30% of all global data, yet less than 5% is effectively used for decision-making.1 MUHC is working to close this gap by implementing the ADAMS platform, ensuring that high-quality, privacy-protected patient data is not just collected but actively used to drive better care.
By expanding data access to a broader range of stakeholders, MUHC is building a continuous cycle of innovation—where data-driven insights fuel evidence-based decisions, improving patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and provider experience. As we advance into 2025, our transformation team has made significant strides in implementing the MDClone ADAMS Center and advancing data infrastructure. Here’s a look at our progress.
Real Progress, Measurable Impact
MUHC’s transformation team has already made significant strides in implementing the ADAMS Center and enhancing data infrastructure. Their key priorities include:
- Hospital & Mission-Specific Scorecards – Providing real-time insights for hospital leadership.
- Expanding Data Access – Increasing research data requests while reducing access time.
- Engagement & Training – Onboarding 50 users and launching high-impact data projects.
- Collaboration & Outreach – Strengthening industry ties and launching a community campaign with the MUHC Foundation.
Each of these initiatives is designed to ensure that data doesn’t stay locked in silos—but instead fuels innovation at every level of care.
Unlocking Value: Data in Action
Technology alone doesn’t transform healthcare—how it’s used does. That’s why MUHC is focusing on practical applications of data-driven insights to enhance clinical decision-making, optimize workflows, and drive system-wide improvements.
The ADAMS Playbook provides a structured, step-by-step approach:
A ASK – Define critical healthcare questions and challenges.
D DISCOVER – Explore trends and patterns within clinical data.
A ACT – Implement changes based on data-driven insights.
M MEASURE – Assess outcomes and refine care processes.
S SHARE – Collaborate across Canada and globally to advance healthcare innovation.
Case Study: Optimizing Patient Throughput
One of MUHC’s most impactful data-driven projects involves patient throughput optimization in the CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) population. Using ADAMS, the team identified key bottlenecks affecting length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates:
- Transfers Matter – Patients admitted from other facilities had longer hospital stays.
- Timing is Key – Surgery day-of-the-week influenced LOS and readmission rates.
- Variability Exists – LOS and readmission rates varied by surgeon.
By addressing these challenges, MUHC is actively working to reduce ICU stay durations, improve patient recovery times, and enhance overall hospital efficiency.
Looking Ahead: The Launch of the ADAMS Center
MUHC’s journey doesn’t stop here. In the coming months, they are preparing to launch the ADAMS Center—a dedicated hub for advancing learning health systems and cross-industry collaboration.
This initiative will bring together clinicians, researchers, and industry partners to:
- Expand real-world applications of data-driven insights.
- Enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and training.
- Scale innovation across Canada and beyond.
Join the Movement
As MUHC continues to push the boundaries of healthcare innovation, they invite clinicians, researchers, and industry partners to join them in transforming how data is used in patient care.
The future of healthcare isn’t just about having more data—it’s about using it smarter, faster, and with greater impact. And MUHC is proving that with the right methodology, change isn’t just possible—it’s happening now.
Stay tuned for more updates as MUHC continues this incredible journey toward a smarter, more connected, and data-driven healthcare system.
1 HIMSS and Arcadia Market Insights Pulse Survey Research, Data Analytics Platforms, 2023
