COLUMBUS, Ohio and SAN DIEGO, March 12, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Interactive Care Network (ICN) announced that it is collaborating with Skylight Healthcare Systems to be the first to offer ICN's educational guide and search engine of post acute care providers to hospitalized patients at the bedside. In conjunction with the Skylight ACCESS(tm) Interactive Patient System, ICN's web-based application provides hospitals with a powerful tool which supports the discharge process and empowers patients and caregivers to take a more active role in their healthcare decisions by providing access in the inpatient setting.
The Interactive Care Network was designed specifically to complement the services already provided by the Skylight ACCESS Interactive Patient System, which transforms in-room hospital televisions into an interactive information, communication and education resource. Easy navigation, multiple search options, and the ability to view highlighted amenities enable patients to quickly research the closest provider for their specific discharge needs. Featuring nine categories of post acute care services as well as specialty services like Alzheimer's Care and Wound Care, ICN offers one of the most comprehensive healthcare databases available to the public.
The Skylight/ICN integration adds new value to hospitals by augmenting and enhancing the discharge planning process for patients, their caregivers and staff. "This collaboration enhances hospitals' ability to gain family input into the post-hospital plan and may alleviate some of the stress of making major decisions under pressure by allowing patients and families to do some research on their own," said David Schofield, Skylight's President and CEO. "Additionally, from a staff perspective, we expect this will be a key timesaver as well as patient satisfaction tool," continued Schofield.
Typically, nurses and social workers handle the discharge process, including much of the communication, and arranging for the provision of patient/family education and referrals. Both groups are frequently understaffed/overworked, and due to the multitude of provider choices, it is unrealistic to expect discharge planners to maintain firsthand knowledge of data regarding such items as atmosphere or personal amenities.
"Incorporating a specialized web solution focused on continuity of care, hospital personnel can effectively communicate with patients and efficiently manage their time while accomplishing operations and compliance objectives," said Andy Figallo, co-founder of Interactive Care Network. "Skylight's ACCESS Interactive Patient System offers a seamless integration of our content at the bedside as well as opportunities for future development and connectivity. Their progressive approach coupled with a commitment to improve utilization outcomes and patient education made working with Skylight an easy decision," adds Dr. Christopher Tobin, CEO.
About Interactive Care Network: Nostra Concepts, LLC d.b.a. Interactive Care Network (ICN) is comprised of health care professionals with more than 75 years of combined experience in the nursing and rehabilitation industry. Our Mission is to ease the decision making process for hospital patients and families during their transition toward recovery. This is achieved by providing a web based resource tool and search engine of 70,000+ post acute care providers designed specifically for interactive patient communication systems. Customized for viewing through a television, the content provided is designed to efficiently and effectively assist hospital personnel and patients throughout the discharge process. Interactive Care Network is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, please call 866.682.9103 or visit www.icarenetwork.com
About Skylight Healthcare Systems: San Diego-based Skylight Healthcare Systems is the proven choice for interactive patient system technology. The company focuses on products and services that create operational efficiencies, improve patient satisfaction and enhance productivity. Skylight's ACCESS(tm) Interactive Patient System provides a bi-directional patient communication platform at the bedside. Hospital services include custom content and interactive communications, on-demand health education, patient survey technology, and in-room dining service capabilities. Digital entertainment services include feature film rentals, premium cable TV, music, high-speed Internet, e-mail access and interactive games. For more information, visit www.skylight.com.