Technology – the frontier of change

As long as there is an open mind there will always be a frontier. Charles Kettering (1876–1958) Technology is all around us. It has changed our professional and personal lives. In some instances it has enhanced our understanding with increasingly sophisticated methods of evaluation of the brain, like functional magnetic resonance imaging or diffuse tensor imaging. Even muscles, nerves, and tendons can be visualized by ultrasound with increasing resolution. A profound example of technology’s impact on our professional communication is the electronic medical record (EMR). While acceptance and adaptation to the EMR has been slow, momentum for its use is building owing to its potential for providing an improved means of health information exchange, which will surely benefit our patients. A health information network promises coordination of health, social, and educational services which will link all of us, from emergency responders to rehabilitation specialists. While many obstacles remain in the use of electronic systems, the children we are committed to are the most in need of coordinated care and coordinated records. The challenge for us is in the transition to the electronic system. The big picture, which is obscured during implementation, is that electronic records enhance coordination of services to and understanding of children with disabilities. Technology has also changed the way we organize and obtain information for educational and research purposes. Literature searches are available at 2am on the couch at home, as well as during a clinical encounter; lectures can be internet based and archived. The availability and accessibility of information create new opportunities. A recent review of the mission and vision of the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) has taken the use of technology into consideration. The new vision is for the AACPDM to become a global leader in multidisciplinary scientific education for professionals and researchers dedicated to the well-being of people with cerebral palsy and childhood onset disability. It includes providing multidisciplinary scientific education for health professionals and promoting excellence in research and services. Our mission has been, and will continue to be, to provide education and promote research for the best outcomes for this group of individuals. These activities remain at our core. But the dissemination of knowledge and the forms it takes will be re-evaluated with emphasis on utilizing technology. The nuance of the new vision charges us to think globally about our endeavors and to work actively with partners throughout the world. Clearly the web, internet, and other technological innovations are powerful tools that will make the vision possible. DMCN as a journal and facilitator of information will be essential, and a fellow leader in harnessing these tools. The internet will provide a ‘virtual world academy’ if used in our educational efforts and will allow our efforts to touch more lives. Those who cannot attend meetings because of expense, or who live far from metropolitan centers, can take part in educational activities through the internet. The theme of the annual AACPDM meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, Frontiers of Innovation, provides an opportunity to experience the vision and mission first-hand. The meeting will highlight technology that enhances the understanding and the management of disability. Changes in technology have pushed us into new arenas. Changes in society and improved medical practice propel us to expand our focus from childhood to the whole lifespan. It has been said that if an organization changes more slowly than society its demise is in sight. This is not the fate of the AACPDM with its current leadership. We are forward looking and engaged with the most innovative partners – you.