Paul Chambers

Pillow Talk..

Two experts in the field of patient entertainment, Colin Farquhar and Paul Chambers, answered some questions on current issues within the industry for us...

Colin Farquhar, CEO, Exterity www.exterity.com

What is the one big issue affecting patient entertainment in hospitals at the moment?

Colin: I believe making the systems cost effective and reliable is a big issue. Patients are used to highly evolved media solutions at home, work and hotels. This is setting their expectations higher. An Exterity IPTV system is a flexible solution for TV and video distribution; it is already used at work and in hotels all over the world and uses the same technology to benefit patients and the greater needs of a modern hospital.

Paul: The primary issues affecting patient entertainment in hospitals today are complaints regarding PAY TV and telephone charges, limited or no internet at the bedside, shared or poor quality TV and concerns over the regional movement to digital.

Mix these all up with the technical requirements driven by individual Trust IT Departments, day to day nursing services and patient access and very quickly it’s easy to recognise why the experience of a specialist Healthcare Entertainment integrator to help design, install and implement the many solutions is a smart move. Solutions can be as simple or as comprehensive as required to meet all patients’ needs – the task and skill is to implement a solution that will meet the specific desire of each hospital, ward and patient, hopefully providing a degree of future proofing in all areas.

What exciting new developments are occurring in patient entertainment systems?

Colin: The integration of the patient entertainment system within a hospital’s information systems can enhance the total patient experience. Hospital information and welcome videos help patients settle in and get oriented. Procedure videos help patients understand the treatments they will receive and provide them with post-treatment guidance to improve recovery. Integration with patient records and patient management systems gives doctors access to all patient records at the bedside and allows nursing staff to manage the patient stay more efficiently.

Paul Chambers, Sales & Marketing Director, Airwave Europe

Paul: New developments include Airwave’s range of large screens with ultra-thin medical LED TVs with in-built embedded computers, aimed to support both patient entertainment and clinical access. These new innovative screens also include

www.airwave.tv

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Patient Entertainment and Bed Systems

IP rated waterproof screens approved for hospital cleaning agents, fanless computers and Wii type remote controls for easy bedside navigation.

Additional developments include wipe down infection controlled approved remote controls, in parallel to specialised Healthcare TVs (in black or white plastics) where menu features can be locked down by the Hospital to prevent patient tampering of settings.

Where a bay of four or more patients are in use, Airwave can also provide individual coded remote controls to prevent the issues of patients turning TVs on and off at adjacent beds.

How has the economic downturn/ Spending Review affected the sector?

Colin: We’ve not seen any impact to date, as there is a growing number of hospitals that are looking to move over to IP based entertainment systems.

Paul: Demand is still relatively consistent, however we have seen an increase in the installations that have been driven by LOF or charitable donations (and other charities).

Where do you choose to prioritise when budgets are tight?

Colin: Patient entertainment, although not part of primary care, is still a critical part for anyone staying in hospital for extended periods of recovery. However, IPTV delivers more than just TV to the bedside. It can be used for on-demand video training for staff, recording of medical procedures to protect against litigation and distribution of digital signage. All of these things can be done with an Exterity IPTV solution that is already running over a hospital’s existing IP network.

Paul: Predominantly, prioritisations are made on choice of TV system technology and TV size. Additionally, sites then look to understand options on TV arms versus

installing TV wall or ceiling brackets instead.

Freeview TV provides such a large choice of TV and radio stations that it is not particularly the number of channels that drive choices and TV system solutions, but the individual Hospital/ requirement (or objective) to include high quality digital images of extremely relevant and efficient communication tools such as Hospital Information Channels, interactive patient feedback mechanisms, menu ordering and the possibility to select and manage differing channel line-ups for various wards e.g. children.

Hospitals have to also consider their options regarding existing network infrastructure (does CAT5/6 already exist at the bedside) and its subsequent added cost to install. Typically, most bedsides will have a co-axial RF connection already.

How do you promote value for money when selling your systems to new clients?

Colin: Exterity Building IPTV harnesses a building’s existing IP network to distribute live TV and video to waiting areas, patient bedsides, staff training facilities and staff accommodation areas. Using a hospital’s existing IP network dramatically reduces cabling costs for installing a future proofed TV and video distribution system.

Paul: There is a ‘spend a little more now to save mid to longer term’ approach, especially when explaining the features and benefits to nursing staff such as welcome videos, digital signage, health videos and electronic notice boards. As a specialist supplier and manufacturer partner in the healthcare market, Airwave also provides the added benefit of extended warranties and additionally tailored maintenance agreements for each individual site’s demands. A recent introduction has been our ability to provide Trusts or Hospitals with their own TV Information channel. This service is becoming an increasingly popular tool to distribute real time and necessary estate information to patients, visitors and

staff alike around the hospital.

What products work best in hospitals?

Colin: Exterity’s entire range can benefit hospitals, however, a few examples are the new AvediaPlayer - receivers have optional secure mounting brackets, allowing hospitals to install products in a public space without the worry of theft or damage, the TVgateway - a compact solution for streaming live TV to patient bedsides. Our solution has hardware designed to fit into a standard server rack and in the UK you can distribute the whole of freeview TV in one unit of rack space. This is a significant advantage over PC based solutions that require far greater storage space, cooling and electricity. The AvediaServer - a comprehensive set of software modules that allow hospitals to provide video on-demand (VoD) to patients and staff, scheduled play capability that allow a hospital to create their own TV channel from assets stored on the server and the ability to customise a web interface where users can easily (and visually) select TV and video to view and furthermore the AvediaServer - Director module allows complete control of the IPTV network from any PC or full featured web browsing device on the network. It also allows any change to be scheduled in advance, making it easier for IT administrators to control access to IPTV. Administrators can change TV channels remotely, control the volume and power of the TV at the end of the day to save money and promote the green use of technology.

Paul: What works best is having a simple selection of flexible solutions. The consistent budget first choice remains bedside Freeview Hospitality Mode TV on arms matched with healthcare wipe down remotes, paired with easy clean holders and attached curly cords preventing theft and loss. Couple this with quality and low cost headphones and replacement ear sponges and Hospitals have a robust, reliable and value for money solution that suits most budgets and viewing expectations.

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Each hospital, each ward, each bedside can be different for many reasons, be it patient needs or hospital construction. Airwave’s skill and knowledge offers the hospital a range of arms and brackets to provide the BEST solution for each and every bed position – we know it’s never a case of one size fits all!

As the internet usage continues to grow (and if PES budgets are a little larger) as an everyday communication tool, Airwave’s product portfolio includes a range of touchscreen TVs from 7” to 18” to provide the comprehensive or ultimate PES. Using leading middleware, designed purely for healthcare, the interactivity is intuitive and removes any need for day to day nurse support and minimal IT department management.

Utilising touchscreen terminals there is also the added benefit of clinical records access for easy sharing, or Doctor only access at each and every bedside. Each touchscreen is provided with security features such as RFID or Swipe card mechanisms to protect both hospital and patient data.

What products and facilities are essential with regards to bed systems?

Colin: There must be a good range of TV channels, good internet and email

access systems and an easy to use bedside TV module.

Paul: Infection control equipment (and/or easy wipe down) is a driving demand. This, plus a Free to Patient Service (no need to register or share personal details), gives the patient ‘no cost worries’ reassurance and a relaxed stay. A good patient experience generally equates to a quicker recovery, so a simple to use system with the look and feel of TV and remote at home helps comfort and reduces the patient’s time in hospital.

Added features, including channel choice management by the hospital and ability to have TVs with multi code remote controls, all further add to a good experience.

It must never be forgotten that a significant percentage of PES installations are in a ‘live’ environment with patients in and out of both beds and wards. A key attribute is a sensitive and qualified installation engineer team who are sensitive to the environment. Good programme management and communications with Hospital Management and Ward Leaders is a vital part of the total bed system implementation.

Our team of trainers also ensure ward manuals are left with Estates and Ward staff for easy reference for patients, with simple how to use explanations and reporting mechanisms for any issues within the Hospital

Upgrading or replacing your Patient TV, entertainment system or Digital Signage with the wide scope of today’s technical and budget requirements can feel like a challenge! Airwave understands this by providing a large portfolio of solutions supported by design, installation and implementation.

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maintenance staff.

What’s your one tip or message you would like to offer to those working in the sector?

Colin: Exterity IPTV is a robust and flexible system that uses open standards. That allows organisations to take an IPTV system and integrate it with third-party solutions for bedside interactive displays, digital signage and room control systems.

Paul: As a company who wishes to pursue long term in this market you must provide a broad portfolio of products and services. Airwave is a one stop shop for all Patient Entertainment TV and Telecommunications. As a hardware and service provider you need to support infrastructure, networks, cabling, aerial head-end works, brackets, arms and installation skills.

Specialised TVs are essential partners with healthcare specific accessories such as remotes, support and maintenance. In these times, Hospitals need to know they are working with a reliable established company who have a wealth of experience and a depth of technical and commercial knowledge – at Airwave we have the necessary credentials and would welcome any opportunity to demonstrate this.

From a standard freeview over coaxial network, through to an enhanced IPTV or interactive touchscreen media system Airwave supplies the very latest in Healthcare entertainment innovation. The latest product is a large screen TV with built in PC and controlled via a Wii type console. Airwave enhances its core PES with important healthcare specific accessories including wipe down remote controls and bespoke arm designs.

Take advantage of our expertise and experience and discuss your project, expectations with us, we will advise the best solution for both your patients and staff. Purchase options include lease rental schemes Let us demonstrate and explain how tried and tested ideas work for many hospitals and Trusts. We can work with you on any size project to achieve a professional solution and within your budget.

All healthcare products, case studies and latest news can be found on our dedicated healthcare website www.hospitaltv.co.uk where you can also request information, obtain a quotation or book an appointment.

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