BETHESDA, MD--(Marketwire - Nov 1, 2011) - GetWellNetwork, Inc., provider of the industry's leading interactive patient care (IPC) solution, today announced that Florida Hospital Celebration Health has implemented the GetWellNetwork solution as a focal point in the facility's newly opened patient care tower. GetWellNetwork has become a cornerstone of the patient experience and is integral to the care delivery model of the nation's first Interactive Care Unit.
"While it is important for us to meet the growing population needs of the community by adding space to our facility, in true Celebration Health style, we're also adding state-of-the-art technology and tools to help improve on patient engagement and provide an even greater patient experience," said Dr. Monica Reed, administrator of Florida Hospital Celebration Health. "Getting each patient involved in their care and providing a positive experience using tools like the GetWellNetwork system is so important to the mission behind our new patient tower. It goes far beyond what you would expect to see inside a traditional hospital."
The new 234,000 square foot, 62-bed patient tower makes the hospital a 174-bed facility. This expansion enables Celebration Health to accommodate the growing healthcare needs of Osceola County, which has had a population increase of over 50 percent in the past decade. Additionally, the patient care tower provides an environment that incorporates the most advanced, innovative technology available today with a belief in healing the mind, body and spirit; all designed to foster patient engagement and improve the patient experience.
"At GetWellNetwork, we have admired Celebration Health for years. It's a special place, and we are thrilled to work alongside their leadership team to innovate and raise the bar on patient care," said Michael O'Neil, founder and CEO, GetWellNetwork, Inc. "We applaud Celebration Health as they open the Interactive Patient Care Unit, and look forward to a long and meaningful relationship with them for the benefit of their community."
In connection with the Institute for Interactive Patient Care, an organization dedicated to empowering patients and improving health outcomes through direct patient engagement, everything from new patient safety technology to changing the ways the staff communicates with patients about their care could be studied as part of the unit.
The Institute for Interactive Patient Care has designated Celebration Health as the nation's first founding Center for Interactive Patient Care. The IIPC plans to establish a nationwide network of 12 - 15 centers in which research will be conducted.
"Celebration Health was chosen as the prototype for this network due to its national and international prominence, strength in leadership and clear commitment to innovation in advancing patient-centered care delivery," said David Wright, president of the Institute for Interactive Patient Care.
Celebration Health's increased commitment to interactive patient care is already being felt by both patients and staff. Patient satisfaction at Celebration Health has always been a strong positive, but, by providing patients with tools like the GetWellNetwork solution to take a more active role in their care, patients are reporting even higher levels of satisfaction as measured by HCAHPS. HCAHPS is the national survey used by The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services to benchmark hospital performance in patient satisfaction. Furthermore, hospital staff are reporting significant improvements in workflow efficiencies gained with the use of this technology, providing patient care staff even more time with their patients at the bedside.
"Patients like being in control of their care. When patients are engaged participants in their care, both the patients and staff benefit," said Patty Jo Toor, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Celebration Health.
About GetWellNetwork
GetWellNetwork, Inc. entertains, educates, and empowers patients throughout the patient journey using the bedside TV in the hospital, mobile devices, Web or Cable TV at home. This patient-centered approach improves both satisfaction and outcomes for patients and hospitals. Additionally, the company extends the value of existing IT investments by integrating seamlessly to leading HIT systems including Cerner, McKesson, Epic, Meditech, GE and Siemens.
GetWellNetwork was also recognized by KLAS® as the leader in the new Interactive Patient Systems category and exclusively endorsed by the American Hospital Association. More information about GetWellNetwork can be found at www.GetWellNetwork.com.
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