Newswise — The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ, has launched a new interactive patient care system to help educate, engage and empower patients in their care. The system helps patients and their families take an active role in their health journey, which leads to improved patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.

Using an in-room television that transforms care at the bedside, patients using the interactive GetWellNetwork receive customized education on their condition, medications, patient safety and pain management, hospital services, as well as entertainment options including Internet access, television programming, movies, video games and music.

The system was launched in the Phillips wing of the hospital, which includes pediatrics and adult medical and surgical services, and will be phased in throughout the hospital by early summer.

“We are committed to investing in the latest technology to deliver the very best personalized, proactive care to our patients and families," said Charles Vannoy, D.N.P., R.N., Assistant Vice President of Women’s and Children’s and Emergency Services at Valley. “GetWellNetwork provides total patient engagement from admission through to discharge. It starts with patients knowing who is taking care of them, and education tailored to their condition, treatment plan and discharge planning process. It ends with patients being more satisfied with their hospital stay and becoming empowered to care for themselves beyond the walls of the hospital,” Vannoy said.

Patient satisfaction is key to a better hospital experience, and using the GetWellNetwork interactive system patients are able to contact their care team directly about issues like managing their level of pain, preventing falls while admitted, or providing real-time feedback on the quality of care they are receiving. This enhanced communication enables clinicians and team members to immediately respond to the needs of patients and their families.

“Engage, educate and empower are the keys to encourage our patients to play a more active role in their health care,” said Nancy Barrett-Fajardo, M.S.,R.N., Director of Medical/Surgical Services at Valley. “We believe this technology will be an invaluable tool for our patients, families and staff and that investing in the wellness of our patients is one of the wisest investments we can make.”

About The Valley HospitalThe Valley Hospital, a 451-bed, acute care, not-for-profit hospital located in Ridgewood, NJ, is part of Valley Health System, which also includes Valley Home Care and Valley Medical Group. Valley is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. These include 10 consecutive recognitions for service excellence by J.D. Power and Gold Seals of Approval from the Joint Commission in 12 clinical areas, including six for cancer care, more than any other hospital in the nation. Valley has also been recognized by Healthgrades as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery. Valley has also been honored three times with “Magnet” designation – the nursing profession’s highest honor. Valley is a cardiovascular affiliate of The Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute. Key services include cardiology, oncology, women’s and children’s services, emergency care, orthopedics, and neurosciences. For more information please visit www.ValleyHealth.com.

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