Lisa Howard-Davis, RN

At Dublin Methodist Hospital, patients are surrounded by natural light and quiet, intimate spaces, all designed to nurture a healing environment. Now, a new bedside computing technology helps patients feel even more at ease during their stays.

Patient View
Developed by Cardinal Health, the Pyxis Info Station is a comprehensive system that offers patients several valuable resources. In the Info Station’s Patient View, patients can log onto the Internet, review education materials and access meal menus, all from the comfort of their beds. “Patients receive a lot of information when they’re in the hospital so it’s hard for them to remember it all,” says Lisa Howard-Davis, RN, a nurse administrator at Dublin Methodist. “When patients are able to see materials on the Info Station while hearing the information from a nurse, it gives them a better understanding.”

The system, comprised simply of a computer screen and keyboard, is suspended from a bendable arm mounted from the patient room ceiling. This flexibility means the unit can be positioned to be viewed by the patient, the clinician or the family.

The system also offers patients a real-time solution to their questions and concerns. With the click of an icon, patients can e-mail their requests, which are then automatically routed to the appropriate staff members so any issues can be addressed quickly.

Helping Patients Relax
Reduction of stress has statistically been shown to help patients heal better and faster. When in the hospital, patients can feel a loss of control and the most comforting thing is their family and friends. The Pyxis Info Station allows the patient to connect to his or her loved ones through e-mail as well as give them access to a special online module where they can learn about the patient’s condition.

“Sometimes when patients are feeling stressed, just communicating with their family can help them relax,” says Lisa. “They feel more in control and are able to share what they’re learning about their conditions from the education materials.”

Clinician Benefits
In addition to its benefits for the patient, the Pyxis Info Station streamlines processes for nurses and clinicians. Dublin’s medical staff can access electronic health records, bedside barcoding applications and other healthcare IT applications through the system. By having quick access to all the necessary charting information, nurses save valuable time and can even review the health record with the patient.

“Since nurses are able to do their charting through the Info Station, they’re more available to the patients to answer questions and explain the plan of care,” says Lisa.

The Pyxis Info Station is currently installed in 25 rooms at Dublin Methodist and will eventually be available hospitalwide.

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