Ontario Workers Network (OWN): Transforming Care for Injured Workers
The Ontario Workers Network (OWN) is a groundbreaking initiative designed to deliver high-quality, coordinated care for injured workers across Ontario. Established in partnership with The Ottawa Hospital and Arthur Health, OWN operates as a clinically integrated delivery network serving thousands of workers annually under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) programs.
The Challenge
Before OWN, care for injured workers was fragmented. Communication between hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation providers was siloed, leading to inconsistent treatment plans and delays in recovery. Manual processes for referrals and scheduling created administrative burdens, while the lack of centralized data made it difficult to track outcomes. Injured workers often felt disengaged, lacking tools to participate actively in their recovery.
What We Did
Arthur Health deployed its CareNexus platform as the backbone of OWN. This cloud-based solution connected 22 hospitals and over 70 rehabilitation sites, enabling seamless communication and collaboration among providers. Automated workflows streamlined referral management and scheduling, while centralized patient data provided a single source of truth. A patient portal empowered workers with access to health information and educational resources. AI-driven analytics identified high-risk cases early, allowing proactive interventions.
The Outcome
From its launch in 2018 until 2024 when it was highlighted at the 2024 American Association of State Compensation Insurance Funds Conference, OWN had delivered over 790,000 services, managed 38,000 referrals, and treated 29,000 injured workers, including 4,500 surgeries and 2,300 psychological assessments. The network achieved a 90% return-to-work rate and 93% patient satisfaction, far exceeding industry benchmarks. OWN has become a model for integrated care, demonstrating how technology and collaboration can transform outcomes for injured workers.
"The Ontario Workers Network exemplifies what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration. By leveraging CareNexus, we’ve created a system that not only improves recovery outcomes but also empowers patients and providers alike. This is the future of healthcare delivery."
Nizar Mahomed, CEO, Arthur Health
