The quality of health care that can be offered in Maine often comes down to two factors: the level of training the health professionals receive and the need for innovation and advancement of the technology used in diagnosing and treating maladies. This issue delves into those areas. In our cover story, Laurie Schreiber looks at […]
The quality of health care that can be offered in Maine often comes down to two factors: the level of training the health professionals receive and the need for innovation and advancement of the technology used in diagnosing and treating maladies.
This issue delves into those areas.
In our cover story, Laurie Schreiber looks at how technology is aiding how future health care professionals are being trained. High tech patient simulators offer a way for students to get as close to real-life situations as they can. “The technology used in a simulation lab combines real clinical gear, robotic, full-body simulators, simulation-specific monitoring, wireless controllers, communication equipment and audiovisual recording apparatus,” says one specialist. “At times, clinical actors or standardized patients will be trained to play specific roles as a patient, family member or embedded participant to guide the simulation and/or the learners through the scenario … A well-run simulation should have all the elements of a well-rehearsed one-act play.” To read Laurie’s story, “Medical practice,” see Page 14.
Elsewhere in the issue, Renee Cordes takes a look at five startups that are creating innovations that could change the health care industry. One such innovator developed a patented computer algorithm to help detect breast cancer at an earlier stage. But even with an innovative patent, the budding company still has to navigate the startup system, in one case using pitch competition winnings on incorporation expenses. “Being able to take such high-level research and science and explain it in two to three minute was probably the biggest take-away,” the entrepreneur told Renee. To read “Finger on the pulse,” see Page 18.
Our list in this issue is Maine’s largest hospitals, on Page 26.