8 June 2013

GolemLabs Studios, a young Sherbrooke company, has received financial support from the Québec government to develop a new virtual traumatology training tool for CHUS nursing staff. On his visit to Sherbrooke, Réjean Hébert, Minister of Health and Social Services, announced that $135,000 would be contributed to the project.

Jean-René Couture, president of GolemLabs Studios, and
Dr. Réjean Hébert, Minister of Health and Social Services

The tool in question, which will be ready to use in a few months, is simulation software that enhances nursing staff know-how in emergency situations. This so-called “serious” game trains nurses how to quickly and effectively react while still following the proper protocol.

For now, traumatology units in emergency rooms are being targeted. However, the software may eventually be applied to other situations. “Think of the situation where you have to calm an Alzheimer’s patient with a behavioural disorder,” explained Dr. Hébert. Once the software is optimal, all nursing staff in Québec will be able to use it, and it may even be exported to other countries.

Sherbrooke: future gerontology hub

Minister Hébert took advantage of his visit to Sherbrooke to also take stock of the development of the ACCORD Health Biotech cluster, which changed tangents in January to focus more on aging and the autonomy of the elderly.

The cluster is currently developing its business plan in conjunction with French experts. The Minister explained that the goal is to make Sherbrooke into a “gerontology hub” by utilizing the city’s many assets, such as its University Institute of Geriatrics and Research Centre on Aging, to attract businesses that develop products and services aimed at improving the quality of life of the elderly.

Sources: La Tribune and Gouvernement of Québec
Photo credit: Sherbrooke Innopole