Tech For Your Health
Medical technology is changing and evolving all the time. From the latest in robotic surgery to high-tech treatment options for mental health and wellness, read on to learn more about the most up-to-date technological advancements in healthcare.
By Anna Hill
Enhancing the Patient Experience
Safety and comfort during a hospital stay are critical to the patient experience. Advanced technologies in patient rooms help make care both efficient and effective, and in doing so, ensure that patients’ needs are best met.
What It Is
One example of such technology is the Centrella Smart+ Bed which, through the use of advanced sensor systems, alerts caregivers when a patient is trying to get out of bed or might be in danger of falling out of bed. These high-tech beds also monitor a patient’s heart and respiratory rates, making it easier to detect when a patient’s status is changing. They also have incontinence detection systems, which allow caregivers to immediately respond to a patient’s needs. The Centrella Smart+ Bed can be fully integrated with call systems like the Rauland Responder 5, which provides instant communication of the information detected by the bed to caregivers so they can quickly respond.
Additionally, the PDi MedTab, a touch screen interactive device, can be mounted beside the bed on a moveable arm. This allows the patient to access its many features without the assistance of a caregiver – permitting patients to watch TV, play games, browse social media, and search the internet. These devices can also be used for video conferencing with family which can help ease isolation, and they can be customized to provide patients with education on their health condition. The monitors are also equipped with relaxation applications like the sound of waves or a stream, which can help patients get better sleep in the hospital environment. All of this helps increase the patient’s comfort and engage them in meaningful activity during their hospital stay.
The Benefits
Technologies such as these greatly benefit patients. Smart beds and call systems allow proactive safety monitoring and reduce the time from identification to resolution of patient care needs. These capabilities create an extra layer of care for the patient. Touch screen technologies like the MedTab give patients an increased sense of control by allowing them independent access to information, activities, and loved ones. All of this contributes to patient centered care, and ultimately a positive patient experience. HS