Usable and accessible eHealth services for everyone / Käytettävät ja saavutettavat sähköiset terveyspalvelut kaikille

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!

In front of the Caen University, Saija Simola (Finland), Georgi Dzaparidze (Estonia) and Maarit Wirkkala (Sweden). Picture: Julie Quesnel.

Science Po Rennes, Caen

Kuvassa Nicolas Escach Science Po Rennessistä, Maarit Wirkkala (Ruotsista), Saija Simola (Suomesta) sekä Georgi Dzaparidze (Virosta) Science Po Rennes-kampuksella.
Nicolas Escach from Science Po Rennes, Maarit Wirkkala (Sweden), Saija Simola (Finland) and Georgi Dzaparidze (Estonia) at Science Po Rennes Campus.

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.

Opiskelutila Science Po Rennessissä.
Study space at Science Po Rennes. Picture: Saija Simola

The student’s study space was inspired by the Finnish sauna! (However, it wasn’t a real sauna).

Pääsen testaamaan VR-laseja.
I’m able to test those VR glasses. Picture: Maarit Wirkkala

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

Kuvassa Maarit Wirkkala, Georgi Dzaparidze, kirjastonhoitaja ja Saija Simola Caenin yliopiston kirjastolla. Kuva: Julie Quesnel.
Maarit Wirkkala, Georgi Dzaparidze, librarian and Saija Simola at Caen University Library. Picture: Julie Quesnel

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)

Kuvassa Georgi Dzaparidze, Saija Simola sekä Maarit Wirkkala Caenin keskussairaalan simulaatiokeskuksessa.
Georgi Dzaparidze, Saija Simola and Maarit Wirkkala at Caen Central Hospital simulation center. Picture: Julie Quesnel

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.

Kuvassa vauvaa simuloiva nukke.
The simulation baby doll. Picture: Saija Simola.

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.

PariSante Campus, Paris

Maarit Wirkkala PariSante-kampuksella
Maarit Wirkkala at PariSante Campus. Picture: Saija Simola

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

Salpetriere-sairaalan kartta
Map of the Salpetriere hospital. Picture: Saija Simola

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

In front of the Caen University, Saija Simola (Finland), Georgi Dzaparidze (Estonia) and Maarit Wirkkala (Sweden). Picture: Julie Quesnel.
In front of the Caen University, Saija Simola (Finland), Georgi Dzaparidze (Estonia) and Maarit Wirkkala (Sweden). Picture: Julie Quesnel

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

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