Mobility in France extended my perspective on digital health
The French Institute in Finland offered me the possibility to visit Caen and Paris, in France in September 2024. The goal of the visit was to familiarize myself with digital health-related institutions in France. I visited local universities, research centers, and hospitals. I got to know many practical services and applications that I had thought before! It seems that research is highly valued and supported in France.
It was my first experience visiting the city of Caen in Normandie, the Nordic part of France. Traveling by train allowed me to see beautiful views and we also tasted lovely local dishes in Caen! It was a peaceful and friendly city. They spoke English less commonly than Parisians. However friendly gestures replaced the speaking language. Normandia relates strongly to Nordic countries. Maybe that’s why I felt so comfortable there! I would like to recommend you also to visit there!
Science Po Rennes, Caen
Science Po Rennes is a university where students have the opportunity to study interdisciplinary studies including handcrafts, radiobroadcasting, and geography. This approach improves students’ skills to tackle complex issues.
The student’s study space was inspired by the Finnish sauna! (However, it wasn’t a real sauna).
Caen university (UNICAEN)
The research group led by Leslie Decker and Sophie Madeleine at Caen university (UNICAEN) has developed a method of measuring older adults’ cognitive abilities using Virtual Reality. This has improved the accuracy and reliability of measurements, increasing the understanding of how conditions such as Alzheimer’s are affecting individuals.
I had a chance to try it myself! VR glassed created 3D-environment. During the measurements, the walking mat had a separate speech for my legs. At the same time, I had to identify either the font or name of the color shown to me through my VR glasses. It was even more challenging for me – my French language skills are at a beginner’s level!
Caen University Library
We also visited the Madeleine-Bres library at Caen University. We had to be very quiet because it was full of students preparing themselves for their exams. The library is also offering students the great opportunity to practice the human body with the virtual simulator Visible Body. Students could practice also with real human cadavers. However, there are challenges to obtaining enough cadavers. Digital solutions offer flexible possibilities for practice.
Caen Central Hospital, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU)
The Caen Central Hospital, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), was next to the library. Even though the hospital was huge compared to the Finnish hospitals, it had a peaceful atmosphere. Different research groups are working in this hospital, for example, Anne Bellot’s group, Normandie Simulation Sante is a forerunner providing opportunities to practice various medical scenarios through simulations. They will practice with multi-professional groups. As part of the simulation, participants may also observe simulations remotely and learn from other participants. Multiple medical scenarios may be created for simulations with electrical dolls. We were able to test those dolls.
During my trip, I had the company of two medical doctors, Maarit Wirkkala and Georgi Dzaparidze, who were impressed by how realistic those dolls were. It was possible to do medical examinations with them. Although, that’s why those dolls are also very expensive.
Cyclhad Hadrontherapy and Francois Baclesse Center, Caen
Remi Lafaye from Caen Nuclear Laboratory presented how tumors will be treated using nuclear treatments. We had the opportunity to hear about tumor treatments from the expertise of different fields, such as physics and medical science. The machine was huge. Patients will only see a small part of the huge machine.
See also: Home - Centre François Baclesse
PariSante Campus, Paris
Hugo Landais under the lead of the steering committee from Inserm and Inria, speaking at PariSanté Campus, introduced the French Digital Health Program. This initiative aims to facilitate the use of multiscale approaches and digital twin tools in healthcare, as part of the France 2030 plan.
In Nordic countries, electronic health records are widely used, and individuals commonly have access to all their medical notes. However, the legal frameworks and practical usage of such systems are not as seamless in other European countries.
Salpetriere Hospital’s Pasteur Brain Institute, Paris
Geraldine Gouzez from the famous Salpetriere Hospital’s Pasteur Brain Institute introduced us to their research, which includes comparing imaging and other data for comprehensive analysis.
There is also a research unit focused on creating applications with user-centered design. The hospital area was huge and we had challenges navigating the correct location. Caregivers have proposed ideas, including an app that could guide them to the right place within the hospital. Such an app would have been very beneficial also this time!
In addition, the DigiIN project will also focus on the usability of eHealth services. Read more: Usable services - DigiIN
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the French Institutes in Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Estonia for providing such an enriching experience! Additionally, thank you to all those who presented their research and to the other laureates for contributing to a truly enjoyable trip!
Text: Saija Simola/Aalto-yliopisto
Show other posts from this blog
Webinaarikutsu 13.12.: Miten suunnitella digipalveluita koko väestölle? Uusi ohjeistus auttaa huomioimaan erilaiset käyttäjät
DigiIN-hankkeen webinaari perjantaina 13.12. klo 13–14.30 sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon digipalveluiden suunnitteluohjeista.
Uusi artikkeli julkaistu: “Usefulness of self-guided digital services among mental health patients: The role of health confidence and sociodemographic characteristics"
Iiris Hörhammer ja Sari Kujala julkaisivat uuden artikkelin yhteistyössä Pohjois-Karjalan hyvinvointialueen Siun-soten kanssa.
New article published: “Usefulness of self-guided digital services among mental health patients: The role of health confidence and sociodemographic characteristics"
Iiris Hörhammer and Sari Kujala, in collaborating with Wellbeing Services County of North Karelia – Siun sote, published an new article.