Maxine Gruener

Background

About Maxine Gruener

After having spent the majority of my career as a Registered Nurse working at the bedside in a variety of acute care settings, I have begun exploring the intersection of technology and the clinical world that I know so well. As the needs and capabilities of modern healthcare systems grow, the interdependent worlds of technology and medicine will be at the forefront of care delivery. I have completed a Masters of Health Informatics degree from the University of Waterloo with the aim of applying my clinical experience to the rapid development of healthcare computing technologies. Currently, my health informatics interests lie in two main domains. I am keen to bridge the gap between IT solutions and the healthcare providers who use them. Healthcare IT tools should not feel burdensome and should advance patient care/safety, but expectations must be bound by the limitations inherent in our technology. Both sides speak very technical languages, but must communicate effectively with each other in order to develop solutions that are both technically robust and clinically seamless. In addition to developing clinical solutions, I am fascinated by the complexities of data visualization as it pertains to patient portals and patient education. By fostering education and communicating a better understanding of patients' bodies, we can help develop health systems that place patient needs first - with the end goal of improving patient wellness and reducing acute care costs overall. As a simulation consultant at AHS, my primary role is to foster clinical education and system development through simulation. In addition to simulation centric jobs, my role has also been involved in the procurement of new technology including both equipment and custom software solutions. Whether through the use of sophisticated human simulators, or through IT systems simulations, I have been working at developing my interests and have begun to see the rewards of the integration of technology and clinical care.