GetWellNetwork Introduces Fall Prevention Education Package for Patients and Families

Falls are the most costly and frequent cause of unintentional injury in the hospital as well as the home for patients over 70 years of age. Additionally, as of 2008, Medicare no longer reimburses hospitals for the treatment of preventable injuries occurring in the facility, including falls. In an effort to reduce the risk of falls and promote awareness among patients, GetWellNetwork is enabling nurses to prescribe the fall prevention video to patients through the GetWellNetwork(R) PatientLife System(R) at their bedside. Once prompted, the system's innovative Patient Pathways(TM) technology delivers an alert to the patient's television monitor requesting the patient to watch the video. The patient's response is then recorded and can be viewed by the nursing staff. When interfaced with a hospital's electronic medical record, the system can also launch the pathway based on a patient's specific fall risk score.

"With the emphasis on patient safety, public reporting on quality outcomes and recent changes in Medicare reimbursement rules, it is more crucial than ever to take initiatives to ensure that both staff and patients are educated on fall prevention and the risks involved with falls," said Rebecca Pariseau, RNC, clinical nurse specialist at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital. "Delivering this information through the GetWellNetwork system not only enables us to reduce the occurrence of falls and improve nurse efficiency in this aspect but also involves patients and their families in the initiative."

Recently featured in the New York Times and widely acknowledged as the leading IPC solution, the GetWellNetwork solution enables hospitals to deliver an exceptional care experience by leveraging technology that empowers patients and families by placing them at the center of their own care experience. The GetWellNetwork PatientLife System turns the television in the patient room into an interactive resource during a hospital stay. By using a wireless keyboard, touch screen or handheld device, patients can interact with the system to access valuable education, communication and entertainment resources directly at the bedside. The PatientLife System enables hospitals to improve the patient experience while improving the cost, quality and service of care delivery.

"In partnership with clinical leaders throughout our client community, GetWellNetwork continues to innovate the IPC space, setting the pace for the industry. We are committed to providing hospitals with the greatest selection of Patient Pathways and access to the most in-depth educational content," said Michael O'Neil, Jr., founder and CEO of GetWellNetwork, Inc. "With the introduction of the Fall Prevention Package and the expansion of our comprehensive suite of patient education videos, GetWellNetwork is demonstrating the industry thought leadership that is making IPC solutions a standard part of hospital care."

About GetWellNetwork, Inc.

GetWellNetwork, Inc. is a leading provider of Interactive Patient Care (IPC) solutions. In partnership with leading hospitals and healthcare systems across the country, the company delivers innovative technology and services to drive optimal patient outcomes. Empowering patients as active participants in the healthcare process, IPC solutions are patient-centric applications delivered at the point-of-care to ensure the completion of service and quality requirements, while driving new revenue opportunities and operational efficiencies for healthcare providers. GetWellNetwork and its clients have been widely acknowledged for their IPC innovations by the healthcare community. In 2007, the GetWellNetwork solution received the exclusive endorsement of the American Hospital Association (AHA). GetWellNetwork, Inc. headquarters are inBethesda, Maryland. For more information, please call 877.MEET.GWN or visit www.getwellnetwork.com.

    Contact:
    John Plunkett
    240.482.3134
    jplunkett@getwellnetwork.com

    Pauline Louie
    781.684.0770
    getwellnetwork@schwartz-pr.com

SOURCE GetWellNetwork, Inc.

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