When patients leave the hospital, they hope they’re on the road to recovery. For too many, however, that road becomes winding and bumpy, detoured by a gap in care that exacerbates their illnesses or leads to other compounding health issues. And, before long, patients find themselves back in the hospital rather than at home.
Mark Toles, an assistant professor in the UNC School of Nursing, had an idea that could help solve this problem. Yet, his idea surfaced questions. Who could help him move his idea forward? What resources are available? What funds might be out there? And how might he balance his teaching and research responsibilities with a desire to turn his idea into something real?
Toles found answers to these questions – and his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship – by working with Innovate Carolina on a program he designed to keep patients healthier after they leave the hospital.
| UNC-CH