Optimum Lightpath and GetWellNetwork launch interactive patient care service

MAY 26, 2009 -- Optimum Lightpath (search Lightwave for Optimum Lightpath), a developer of Ethernet-based communication offerings for New York metropolitan area businesses, has introduced Interactive Patient Care (IPC), a technology available exclusively through Optimum Lightpath to New York metropolitan area hospitals. The company has signed an exclusive agreement with GetWellNetwork to package this technology with its advanced business communications solutions, which run over the area's largest all-fiber metro Ethernet network.

Using GetWellNetwork's technology, powered by Optimum Lightpath's 100% fiber-optic network, hospital in-room televisions can transform into a valuable, interactive experience for users. Patients can learn more about their condition, connect with family- and interact with caregivers using the bedside TV. The Interactive Patient Care package is designed to improve patient knowledge and safety, clinical care outcomes, staff responsiveness, bed turnover rates, and workflow efficiencies for hospital staff.

"Nearly 70% of New York metropolitan area hospitals and nearly 100% of Long Island [NY] hospitals in our service area choose Optimum Lightpath to power their business communications solutions," says Dave Pistacchio, general manager and executive vice president of Optimum Lightpath.

"When patients and families actively participate in the care and recovery process, health outcomes improve. Our service is designed to fully engage patients in the hospital care they receive," says Michael O'Neil, chief executive officer of GetWellNetwork. "As a leading provider of data services to hospitals, Optimum Lightpath is the ideal partner to deliver IPC to new and established health-care facilities and provide the technological platform to support an enhanced patient experience. This is a defining moment in the health-care industry and together, I believe we have a tremendous opportunity to build a smart healthcare community within metropolitan New York and beyond to improve patient care performance."

The PatientLife System provides on-demand access to a patient education video, library and medications database, hospital stay and visitor information, movies and games, non-clinical service request menus, meal ordering, surveys and real-time feedback features, Internet and e-mail access, music, and more. A variety of coordinated, automated prompts appear on the television monitor to proactively invite each patient, at the appropriate time, to learn more about his/her care, condition, and safety. Beyond simple alerts, these interactive messages are delivered through a proprietary Patient Pathways workflow engine, enabling hospitals to customize a patient's hospital experience based on particular data inputs or automatic triggers such as diagnostic or procedure codes. The system prepares patients to better manage their condition upon discharge by informing them throughout the care process.

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