Moffitt McKinley Hospital Introduces Alexa in Patient Rooms to Enhance Experience
Imagine every time a nurse walks into your hospital room, their picture, name and title appear on a digital whiteboard. Or if you want certain music to play to lift your mood, it’s as easy as saying, “Alexa.”
These things are a reality at Moffitt McKinley Hospital, thanks to advancements designed to elevate patient comfort, optimize care workflows and significantly improve the overall patient journey.
Less than a year after Moffitt Cancer Center opened the new building, the hospital got a technological upgrade to its pCare patient engagement system. This comprehensive solution includes a digital door sign, digital whiteboard and both a television and tablet running pCare’s patient engagement software in patient rooms. The integration of Amazon Alexa further enhances this system, allowing for direct interaction between patients and technology.
Feedback from patients and their families on the digital enhancements in patient rooms has been overwhemingly positive.
“Amazon Alexa has transformed the patient experience by creating a hands-free environment for both patients and health care providers,” said Timothy Demid, clinical informatics nurse at Moffitt. “Patients can control their televisions and navigate the pCare system using voice commands. Alexa also assists patients by setting reminders, playing music and providing information about Moffitt. The most commonly used functions include listening to music for relaxation and using voice commands to control the television.”
The pCare digital door sign and whiteboard automate many manual tasks traditionally performed by health care providers. This automation includes updating isolation signs, whiteboards for nurse and technician assignments and medication schedules. For example, if a patient is placed on a “nothing by mouth” order, the pCare digital door sign automatically updates to reflect this, eliminating the need for manual updates.
Moffitt’s smart room initiative focuses on ensuring smooth communication between different systems to prevent double documentation by clinicians. This integration is crucial for efficient workflow and better patient care. For instance, real-time updates on patient status can be seen by nutrition staff, preventing potential errors and ensuring smooth operations.
“Feedback from patients and their families has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients appreciate the updated nurse assignment information and the educational videos provided by the pCare system. Alexa’s ability to play relaxing music or white noise has also been well-received, aiding in patient relaxation and sleep,” Demid added.
These technologies ensure the best possible care and equip providers and clinicians with the necessary tools and information. Additionally, the interactive educational content offered through pCare empowers patients to be active participants in their care, making informed decisions alongside their health care providers.
Moffitt has plans to further these technological expansions, helping to ensure that all patients, regardless of their familiarity with technology, can benefit from these innovations. The initial design process involved feedback from the cancer center’s Patient and Family Advisory Council to ensure accessibility and ease of use for all patients.
