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Sharp Grossmont Hospital is wiring rooms with high-speed access
[December 22, 2005]

Sharp Grossmont Hospital is wiring rooms with high-speed access


(San Diego Union-Tribune, The (KRT)) Dec. 22--Connie Sanders-Timian, a self-described news junkie, recently spent several days in an induced coma at Sharp Grossmont Hospital. After she awoke, she was in serious need of a media fix.

But, rather than wait until she was discharged from the hospital to visit her favorite Internet news sites, she was able to surf the Web from her bed.

She could also check e-mail, order movies, play video games or even request an adjustment in the room temperature, all using the in-room television and a special keyboard.

"I like it," Sanders-Timian said. "It's entertaining; your mind is still going (when you are in the hospital) even though you are falling asleep all the time."

Grossmont is wiring its rooms to offer the interactive system, GetWellTV, to patients and will complete the installation next month. The hospital is one of a growing number of medical facilities nationwide offering patients a more connected visit.



Unlike airports, schools and coffee shops, hospitals have mostly been a dead spot in today's wired lifestyle. Cell phone use is typically banned and because of possible theft, laptop computers are discouraged. But some hospitals find the hardwired room systems are an innovative solution to keep their patients connected.

A handful of companies sell the systems to hospitals. It's a tough pitch when demands on hospital funds are often focused on new MRI machines or other medical technology. GetWellTV costs $1,200 to $1,500 per room for installation alone. But hospitals say it is worth the investment: Wired patient rooms save staff time and improve patient satisfaction.


The companies selling such services said they have seen business increase significantly in the past year. San Diego-based Skylight, creator of GetWellTV, has its system at 16 sites, with 20 more under contract. Pyxis, another San Diego company, has its patient station in 20 hospitals. Maryland-based GetWellNetwork has more than 25 clients.

The products are similar to what hotels have offered for years. Patients select from entertainment, educational or hospital services through a TV or bedside screen.

Janet Hanley, director of acute care at Grossmont, said patients and staff have quickly embraced the system.

"It was adopted to maximize nurses' time and improve patient education," Hanley said. "(But) patients really embraced it."

The entertainment services help patients stave off boredom and in some cases improve their well-being. Patients can listen to soothing music such as waves or waterfalls. They can avoid depression by connecting with family and friends.

And it offers patients a sense of empowerment by being able to find information on their condition online or to make their requests personally.

Patient education, videos and other instructional material can be delivered through the systems at the patient's convenience. With some systems, patients can even view their X-rays or other medical information.

Hospital services can be also be accessed through wired rooms. Patients can request a visit from the chaplain, ask for housekeeping services or talk with other medical departments directly, such as the pharmacy. At one Arizona hospital, patients can even request new room art, choosing from one of 12 options.

The systems free nurses, who often spent a significant amount of time coordinating patient education or nonmedical issues, to focus on patient care.

The creators of the systems said as more hospitals add the services, the value will prove itself as a draw for patients.

"I think it's going to become the standard in three to five years," said Dave Schofield, president and chief executive of Skylight Systems. "Especially as baby boomers, who are always connected, start to age.

Patients can typically access hospital services for free and pay a fee for optional services. Grossmont patients pay $7.95 for a 24-hour access pass to the service.

Grossmont is one of the first hospitals in the county to hardwire rooms.

Childrens Hospital and Health Center provides a mobile cart with limited Internet network for its patients to get information about their condition or to chat with other patients.

Some hospitals are starting Wi-Fi services for patients and visitors to access with their laptops. Scripps Health is creating kiosks for e-mail and Internet access.

"This is a brand-new concept for hospitals," Schofield said. "The ones we are signing contracts with are the ones who clearly understand that if they provide better resources and tools, they'll clearly see an increase in patient satisfaction."

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