This week, the University of California-Irvine is expected to open a state-of-the-art telemedicine training facility as part of its new $40.5 million medical education building, Healthcare IT News reports.
The telemedicine facility includes a 60-seat interactive videoconferencing center that will enable medical students to observe remote medical procedures.
The facility also includes a clinical skills center and a clinical simulation laboratory where students can use digitally controlled, full-body simulators in operating and trauma room settings.
Officials said the telemedicine center aims to boost health care access and delivery for remote and underserved regions of California.
Funding for the new facility came partially from California's 2006 Proposition 1D bond measure. The initiative provided $200 million to expand UC medical schools and improve the state's telemedicine programs (Merrill, Healthcare IT News, 2/8).