these relatives through a Patient Education Resource Center to help them learn more about their health can reap big dividends for the hospital because they are much more likely to seek medical assistance in a hospital which has taken the time and trouble to educate them. PERCs can also be very useful for educating and training paramedical staff. The hospital support staff (such as ward boys and the janitorial staff) plays a very important role in serving the patient’s daily needs. However, they are often not very well informed about hospital procedures. The PERC can be used to educate and train them, so they are more responsive to the patient’s special needs, thus improving the relationship between patients and hospitals, and reducing untoward incidents. PERCs can be strategically located in the hospital lobby, and they offer an inexpensive way for hospitals to provide a valueadded service that differentiates them from the competition. They cost very little to set up, and need minimum space and staff. Indeed, they are a very cost-effective investment in Information Therapy!
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