I fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine by attending the Gerontological Society of America conference in Boston last month. There were so many interesting topics but here are a few of my highlights:
1. I met Phil Clark from the Rhode Island Geriatric Education Center who is the guru of Interdisciplinary team training http://www.uri.edu/outreach/rigec/
2. Heard some interesting research on using the Wii and Playstation to help older adults prevent falls. Yes, they should play Wii bowling.
3. Learned about some wacky shoes that challenge people with random chaotic perturbations to improve balance. Basically the shoes try to make you fall down and you catch yourself.
4. I heard the latest news on grant funding for research in Geriatric Mental Health. They are interested in basic science but there are translational opportunities as well especially around depression. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/organization/datr/geriatrics-research-branch/index.shtml
5. Learned some video shooting techniques for online learning
6. Downloaded an app on my Droid that reminds physicians about preventative recommendations http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ahrq-epss/id311852560?mt=8
7. Studied the use of GPS detection systems in the home to monitor the elderly for falls. Yes it was a little creepy but the GPS can detect the motion of a fall so it could be ideal early warning system for frail community residents.
9. Discovered the pros and cons of e-health literacy. Doctors don’t always like it when patient surf the web.
10. Got great feedback from HRSA on our Evidenced Based research on falls in Mountain and Southern Regional. They really like what we have planned for practice based change.
Was so glad to get to go and represent the excellent work AHECs in North Carolina are doing on behalf of the CGEC.
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