HealthEast's Bethesda Hospital Launches MyChart Bedside In-Patient App

ST. PAUL, MN--(Marketwired - Dec 14, 2015) - HealthEast's Bethesda Hospital recently became the second hospital worldwide -- and the first long-term acute care hospital -- to go live hospital-wide with the MyChart Bedside in-patient application. 

"Unique uses of technology are becoming more and more a part of health care, and this is a powerful example that enhances our patient experience," said Kristi Ball, Director of Operations and Patient Care Services at Bethesda. "We can now physically put transparent medical information into our patients' own hands, empowering them to engage more in their care."

Patients and their families can use the tablet-based app in the hospital to see aspects of their chart, daily schedules, test results, educational materials and more. They can also communicate non-urgent requests to their care team. Increased understanding of diagnoses and daily plans can lead to more robust questions, and enhanced relationships between patients and their care team. 

Staff can help patients use the app on their own tablet, or one that's provided by the hospital. The hospital tablets also provide well-known medical and social media apps, Caring Bridge, Internet access and more. With the patient's permission, a family member or caregiver can even access MyChart Bedside from a remote tablet, making it easy to check in on their progress.

Bethesda Hospital began piloting the app earlier this year. Based on positive patient and staff feedback, the decision was made to go hospital-wide. HealthEast is planning to roll out MyChart Bedside at additional hospitals in the future.

About HealthEast
HealthEast (healtheast.org) is the leading health care provider in the Twin Cities' East Metro area. From prevention to cure, we meet the needs of the community with family health and specialty programs that span four hospitals -- Bethesda Hospital, St. John's Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital and Woodwinds Health Campus -- plus 14 clinics, home care and medical transportation. HealthEast has nearly 7,500 employees and nearly 850 physicians on staff. Our focus is optimal health and well-being for our patients, our communities and ourselves.