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ED adds business center to wait area | JoVE Visualize

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Information And Computing Sciences

ED adds business center to wait area

ED Management : the Monthly Update on Emergency Department Management|November 7, 2007

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Providing patients with internet access in waiting areas improves their attitudes and understanding of wait times. This low-cost solution can also enhance patient education through access to medical resources.

Area of Science:

Healthcare Administration
Patient Experience
Technology in Medicine

Background:

Long wait times in emergency departments (EDs) can negatively impact patient satisfaction.
Limited amenities in waiting areas contribute to patient frustration.
The integration of technology in healthcare settings is increasingly important.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the impact of providing internet access in a hospital waiting area on patient attitudes.
To assess the feasibility and benefits of establishing a low-cost business center in an ED waiting area.
To explore how internet access can support patient education initiatives.

Main Methods:

Implementation of internet-accessible computers and a printer in the Florida Hospital Celebration ED waiting area.
Information technology (IT) staff configured computers to ensure internal system privacy and block inappropriate content.
Monitoring of patient reception to the new amenity.

Main Results:

Internet access significantly improved patient attitudes and increased understanding of long wait times.
The initiative was cost-effective, requiring minimal investment in equipment.
Patients utilized the access, with potential for enhanced engagement with medical information.

Conclusions:

Providing internet access in healthcare waiting areas is a practical and beneficial strategy.
This amenity can mitigate negative perceptions associated with wait times and improve the overall patient experience.
Internet access offers a platform for reinforcing patient education and empowering patients with health information.

Human-centred Computing

Human-centred Computing Not Elsewhere Classified

Ed Adds Business Center To Wait Area