US hospitals pilot iPad video apps

Two US hospitals have begun to pilot applications for Apple’s new iPad tablet computer that aim to help patients and their families better understand common medical procedures.

Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children and St. Luke’s Health System in Idaho are running pilot programs with versions of Unity Medical’s Medical Video jLog application.

Medical Video jLog for the Apple iPad, uses short interactive video clips to explain common medical procedures such as CT scans, cardiac stent placements, and physical rehabilitation treatment

Patients at the hospitals trialling jLog will be able to view videos and patient testimonials on iPads in the hospital or download the content from home. The trials began last week.

Patients can view videos and patient testimonials on iPads in the hospital or download content directly from the iTunes store to their iPad at home, for use anywhere they choose.

The application in use at Florida Hospital features animated video sequences that last for two to four minutes.

The Florida Hospital for Children has begun with an interactive Q&A video, featuring a young boy named Max and his bear friend Buddy as Buddy undergoes a CT scan. Videos are conversational, entertaining, age-appropriate, and provide children with a detailed overview of the procedure

St. Luke’s pilot project initially will include more than 20 programs with content for patients undergoing heart and vascular procedures.

Dr David Pate, president and CEO of St. Luke’s Health System, said: “We believe the new jLog iPad application will further enhance patients’ experience both at the point of care, and wherever they choose to receive the information.”

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