Simon Hagens is a prominent leader in Digital Health, Health Data, and Health Policy.
His business cases secured over $600 million in federal funding for technologies including e-prescribing, virtual care, patient access to information and interoperability.
Architect of a world-class performance management system designed to demonstrate ROI on federal investment.
Recognized for global thought leadership, he advocates for health data policy that meets clinical needs, delivers on patient expectations and drives economic growth.
With 25 years in the industry, most recently as VP Performance at Canada Health Infoway, Simon is now an Adjunct Professor at the Telfer School of Management in Ottawa and Principal at Hagens Consulting.
Focus Areas
Making the Case for Innovation
Securing resources for innovation requires a compelling case, backed by quantifiable benefits and a clear path to impact. Simon works with organizations to design evidence-based business cases, define meaningful outcomes, create performance frameworks, and tell a story that resonates with boards and funders. Having built the national performance system for Canada Health Infoway and helped secure over $600M in federal funding, he equips leaders with the tools to unlock investment and deliver with confidence.
Health Data Modernization
Health leaders face pressure to modernize data systems, improve interoperability and collaborate across systems. Simon helps organizations cut through complexity, prioritize opportunities and build the meaningful partnerships required. Bringing lessons from across Canada and abroad, Simon’s expertise spans strategic planning, engagement, performance measurement, governance models, and change management. He combines technical expertise with the health system acumen needed to modernize health data systems responsibly.
Research, Analysis & Evaluation
Independent insights to assess opportunities, monitor progress and inform investments. We draw evidence from diverse sources, including surveys, cost benefit models, literature, focus groups, evaluations and research collaborations.
Engagement & Change
Engaging effectively, building partnerships and shepherding change respectfully, because everyone has a stake in health data and digitization.
Facilitation & Communication
Engaging workshops, board sessions, and conference events that build consensus and momentum.
What’s Happening
AI Scribes are becoming much more common
Co-author of recent systematic review finding “AI scribes show promise in improving documentation efficiency and clinician workflow, although the evidence remains limited and heterogeneous. Broader and real-world evaluations are needed to confirm their effectiveness and inform responsible implementations.”
AI Scribes are becoming much more common, with promising early results. But not all clinicians and settings are the same – in many cases, help will be needed. The hard work is just getting started.
2024 Data Analytics for Health Summit
At the 2024 Data Analytics for Health Summit, Simon uses data to illustrate the journey to a more connected health systems, and demonstrate the opportunities to make progress. Look for him again this year.
GDHP/OECD Policy Repository Tool
Co-lead of the development of the GDHP/OECD Policy Repository Tool which, makes it possible to find those leading practices and collaboration opportunities.
“Around the world, the advancement of digital health technologies and health information system have provided tools to address shared health system challenges – if effectively harnessed. In such a complex environment, the need for cooperation and partnerships that transcend country borders is paramount.”