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Today's trends in healthcare television technology By Michelle Tennis For some, it's a way to stay connected to the outside world. For most, it provides positive distractions — a way to pass time, keeping patients and their guests occupied and a little less stressed during a hospital stay. For others, it provides access to a digital portal containing crucial and educational health information. Hospital TVs are more than just a fi xture on the wall. Today's hospital TVs of er well beyond simple programming in a bulky pack- age, broadcasted in standard defi nition. Modern-day sets of er slim designs and high-defi nition pictures, complete with Energy Star ratings. The following is an overview of the technology that makes it all happen, as well as new trends. Healthcare-grade versus consumer-grade Perhaps one of the most talked-about topics is the importance of selecting healthcare- grade versus consumer-grade TV sets. Some decision-makers may be inclined to select consumer-grade sets for a variety of reasons such as perceived lower costs. However, safety, compliance and infection control are just a few reasons to always choose consumer-grade. "Selecting only UL-approved, or "hospital-grade" televisions, is the most important thing to keep in mind," said Tim Wright, director of LG Healthcare Commercial Products. "Patients interact with the television through a pillow- speaker controlled nurse call system. Proper electrical isolation, in a potentially oxygen- enriched environment, is mandatory. These systems must adhere to stringent safety regulations." Tuning In He noted since a majority of TVs are wall-mounted, only approved mounting hardware should be used. For example, in seismically active areas in California, mounting hardware must be compliant with California's Of ce of Statewide Health Planning and Development. "This is never an area to assume compliance, or use 'consumer-grade' products," Wright said. According to a brochure produced by manufacturer PDi Communication Systems, there are four main benefi ts to selecting healthcare-grade TVs: > Antimicrobial keypads limit hospital- acquired conditions and have a positive impact on Medicare reimbursements. > Low-voltage sets mean patients and families are able to safely watch TV at the bedside. > Sets are designed for infection control and to withstand repeated cleanings with strong chemicals used to sanitize patient rooms. > Healthcare-grade TVs are designed to reduce the risk of shock or fi res, protecting both patients and facilities. Overall, healthcare-grade TVs are engineered for higher daily use, reliability and safety in healthcare environments. Smart TVs Smart TVs, Internet-enabled or "connected" TV sets, of er an "all-in-one" wireless solution. Patients can check email, update their Facebook status, tweet, watch movies and simply stay connected — all from their bedside. Even more importantly, said Wright, the in-room television can be the portal for patient education necessary during a hospital stay. "IP-enabled patient televisions have seamless access to an ever growing 'cloud- based' patient education library," he said. "With the current fi nancial exposure from re-admissions to healthcare systems, de- livering thorough post-op/post-treatment education is a must." Wright added that a premium patient television system has proven to be the most cost-ef ective method to deliver and maxi- mize retention of this education. "Only a hospital-grade patient HDTV with this capability embedded, or at mini- mum, certifi ed by a wide array of interactive solution providers should be considered," he said. Photo: Dollar Photo Club 44 Medical Construction & Design | M A RCH /A PR IL 2015 | MCDM AG.COM