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Bringing Information to the Patient Bedside
by Christian Lindmark, RCDD
As individuals continually rely on technology to gather information, make decisions, communicate globally, receive entertainment, and to go about their daily lives, more and more places are providing “connections” for these individuals, via wireless hotspot connections, cell phone connections, or wired high-speed data connections. One place in particular, where technology should allow individuals the capability to collect reliable information, the ability to make informed decisions, the comfort of communicating with family and friends, and the option to be entertained, is in a healthcare facility. This “connection”, previously overlooked, is quickly emerging and patient entertainment/education systems are bringing information to the patient bedside.
A patient entertainment/education system utilizes a monitor, either located at the footwall or on an adjustable arm at the headwall in the patient room. Each monitor is connected to an IP (Internet Protocol) set-top box (basically a small computer), which is connected to the systems head-end equipment, typically located in the facilities data center or server room. These systems run over coax cable, CAT 6, or a combination of the two. The patient can use multiple peripherals to interface with the systems, ranging from a remote control, wireless keyboard and mouse, to touch screens.
The amount of information available to patients via these systems is phenomenal. Using the peripheral, the patients can directly access the internet, on-demand movies, educational programming, and other electronic materials through a graphical user interface, similar to a web page or menu options similar to those provided at hotels.
These systems can be setup to have pictures used in lieu of or in conjunction with text for easier navigating. Video games, email, music, surveys, and ordering food from the facility’s cafeteria are a few of the features. These systems have the ability to read e-books and email aloud and by adding a camera in the patient room, video conferencing capabilities are available for patient, family and staff. Additionally, patients and physicians can review the CT, X-ray, or other digital images on the monitor, alleviating the need for view boxes in the room. The beauty of this type of system is that it is customizable for the needs of each healthcare facility and in many cases, each department within the facility.
Unbeknownst to many until recently, a major component in the healthcare “healing environment” is technology. Though subtle, technology can help produce soothing environments and create positive mindsets for patients. Education and entertainment systems put control into the patient’s hand, reducing their feeling of dependency and making them feel part of their own care. It allows them to research their ailments on the internet, to discuss topics ranging from treatment to side-effects with others in on-line chat-rooms and gives them the ability to study their rehabilitation process at their own pace.
A study in the Journal of Family Practice found, “Computerized educational interventions can lead to improved health status in several major areas of care, and appear not to be a substitute for, but a valuable supplement to, face-to-face time with physicians.” The same review recommended the use of computerized patient education interventions as a means of promoting more honest feedback from patients. The study states, “…the patients seemed more willing to confide in computers than in human interviewers, possibly because the computers were perceived as non-judgmental or evoked less embarrassment on sensitive subjects.” Additionally important, it allows patients to continue as contributing members of society able to engage in their work or hobbies, even though they may be bed-ridden for days, weeks, or months at a time.
These systems also offer many benefits to the care providers as well. Staff education and training can be completed using the same system extended to a staff lounge, conference room, or training center. The nursing staff will no longer have to track VHS movies, CD’s, DVD’s, VCR’s or other items that are commonly misplaced, misfiled, or lost, since the patient entertainment/education system stores all this information digitally on a central server, allowing caregivers more time to devote to their patients. Physicians can also use the system to spend more time with their patients and provide better, more immediate information at the bedside. Pharmaceutical information and usage instructions can be stored on-line, as well as rehabilitation and post-surgery directions, allowing a patient to access this information as needed.
In terms of marketing, patient entertainment/education systems are certainly a value-added benefit to healthcare facilities. As healthcare facilities across the country begin to install these types of systems, additional features, not even considered yet, can be added. This type of ingenuity will aide medical facilities in marketing their patient care offerings, especially as healthcare facility demographics become more technologically savvy. Patients typically have a choice of facilities, and they will select facilities that provide the most comforting setting as well as enhanced care. In addition, research concludes that healthcare facilities that offer cutting-edge technology attract and retain better, more experienced employees.
