The Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, which opens Thursday, features the latest in technology, including a patient education and entertainment system in every room.
Each of the 45 patient rooms and several family waiting areas will have a Cerner CareAware myStation system that gives patients access to educational materials related to their condition, a place to view their personal health record and a way to communicate with their caregivers and manage their schedule.
The system is connected directly to the hospital's Cerner Millennium electronic medical record and displayed on a flat-panel screen mounted at the foot of the patient bed. This feature allows doctors to pull up the patient's chart at the bedside to discuss treatment options and answer questions, involving patients and their loved ones in the care process, said Scott Boden, MD, dirctor of The Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Center.
The system can help improve patient safety by allowing patients to see allergy and medication information the hospital has on file, he said. If an allergy or medication isn't noted, the patient can notify their care team to update their EMR.
The system also gives patients access to the Internet, movies, music and games to keep them and their families entertained during their hospital stay.
"We believe our focus on placing patients and their families at the heart of care will make The Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital unlike any other facility in the region," Boden said. The system is "a great way to empower our patients to be active participants in their care."
"Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital is ahead of the curve in its use of technology to empower patients to become active participants in their care," said Trace Devanny, Cerner's president.
