Patient Entertainment SYSTEMS

WHAT’S A PATIENT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM?

Patient entertainment systems deliver interactive services and additional features to the healthcare TV.

Systems range from simple splash screens (using text and images to welcome a patient) to feature-rich, sophisticated interfaces that can communicate with clinical services or food ordering systems.

Fully customisable and remotely managed, well designed systems enhance the patient experience, improve operational e ciency and provide additional revenue streams.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SYSTEM?

The best systems are tailored to the specific requirements of the provider - reflecting the size and scope of the facility. Systems come in all shapes and sizes, but a few common rules do exist. Think about:

• Simple and intuitive – Easily navigable menus and logical pathways are key. Can BBC One be located quickly? How easy is it to cast content? An intuitive menu system is the defining feature of a quality platform.

• Quick and responsive – Isn’t it frustrating when your smartphone is old and sluggish? Well, the same applies here. The user experience should be slick and responsive (gone are the days when a two-second wait for a page change is acceptable)

• Convenient – A good system should o er a quick, seamless method of updating content, allowing regular, hassle-free information updates.

• Flexible – The best systems o er the designer a blank canvas to create exciting, bespoke, on brand designs. Whilst template-based systems do have a place, they can be restrictive and less visually appealing.

• Upgradeable – Things change, time moves on. Don’t be stuck with a system that can’t be amended without resource and expense. The best platforms are futureresistant, easily updated and provide regular (FOC) software updates and new features.

• Design – Whilst user experience is critical, first impressions count. A thoughtful, professional, wow factor design makes a big di erence.

• Price – Of course, price will vary considerably alongside the complexity of a system, but the hard and fast rule is: don’t pay for features you don’t need! (we can help you with that...)

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE SMART TVS?

You don’t need SMART TVs!

A number of platforms can run on existing RF infrastructure (also known as coaxial cabling) or can be implemented via external hardware - such as a set-top box.

It’s also possible to run a SMART TV system on coaxial cabling using DOCSIS (data over cable service interface specification) technologyparticularly useful for providers that want SMART functionality but can’t sanction costly/disruptive cabling upgrades.

I CAN’T JUSTIFY THE PRICE

Entry-level systems are surprisingly a ordable; have you considered a simple welcome screen with a branded image? this type of solution is especially suitable for smaller properties.

It’s also worth considering return on investment potential - room service, video-ondemand movies, local services advertising –just a few examples of potential revenue streams that systems can provide.

Still unsure? How about investigating Airwave sister company, Switchsure’s, finance and leasing packages? (for more details, get in touch: info@hospitaltv.co.uk) allowing cost to be spread over a fixed-term contract.

WHAT FEATURES DO I NEED?

We’ll always recommend casting functionality (such as Chromecast), essentially o ering your patients unlimited content to choose from.

Other requirements will vary from provider to provider - sometimes a simple, branded welcome screen with an image and text is all that’s needed.

It’s worth noting that a system can be designed, implemented, and then (remotely) enhanced or redesigned at a later date if required - every system that Airwave sell is future-proof in this sense. This allows a provider to go small initially and then upgrade if and when necessary.

HOW CAN AIRWAVE HELP?

Airwave’s team of content engineers design, deploy and manage most leading entertainment systems, including: MYCARE TV, Mediagate, Otrum Mirage, Samsung, Philips and LG platforms.

Although the choice may seem overwhelming, each platform o ers similar features and functionality. We find that final purchasing decisions are often made as a matter of personal taste, based on the ‘look and feel’ of

Built in collaboration with Barts Health NHS Trust, Nu eld Health at St Bartholomew’s Hospital (NSBH), is the City of London’s first independent hospital.

Specialising in cardiology, cardiac surgery, oncology and orthopaedics, the hospital features 55 beds, 7 critical care beds, 4 operating theatres and 28 consultation rooms.

NSBH approached Airwave, looking to provide a home-fromhome experience TV system across several areas of the hospital (including single bedrooms, the high dependency unit and day patient & sta areas).

Work commenced with the implementation of aerial & reception infrastructure, supporting the delivery of Freeview channels and smart services across the hospital’s network.

To conform to the various requirements (and aesthetics) of the individual television points, Airwave installed a selection of commercial TV models, including LG’s LT661H Series and Samsung’s EJ690 Series – display sizes ranging from 24 to 65-inches.

An Otrum Mirage patient entertainment system was implemented on each TV, featuring a series of information pages, an electronic programme guide and access to ‘Connect Your

Device’ functionality, provided by Google Chromecast.

Chromecast facilitates the casting of content from a smart device to the hospital’s TV, opening up the various libraries of streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, YouTube etc.

Each TV’s remote control was, neatly mounted in a perspex holder, and attached to a curly cord.

Airwave also installed digital signage in the hospital reception and waiting areas, wall-mounting 49-inch LG49SM5KE displays, operated via Otrum signage software and integrated with LG STB5500 set-top boxes. The signage displays were configured to play PIP (picture in picture) allowing TV services and marketing/ information material to run concurrently.

Otrum’s signage software is powerful, flexible and most importantly, intuitive and easy to use, allowing hospital sta to e ortlessly upload important messaging to each display (either independently or as a group).

In the hospital’s meeting room, Airwave wall-mounted a 65-inch Samsung EJ690 display and incorporated Barco Clickshare CSE200 technology – o ering one click wireless presentation from a laptop or portable device.

Spire Montefiore

Spire Healthcare is a leading independent healthcare group, operating 39 hospitals, 33 clinics, medical centres and consulting rooms across England, Wales and Scotland. Airwave have enjoyed working with Spire for several years, managing their ongoing TV system refurbishment programme.

Set within an Edwardian red-brick building in the seaside town of Hove in West Sussex, Spire Montefiore Hospital provides private hospital care, and a diverse range of medical specialities.

Having delivered a patient entertainment platform at Montefiore in 2012, Airwave was delighted to be invited back to refresh the system.

Airwave commenced proceedings with the installation of an Easystream IPTV headend, allowing the distribution of digital TV channels via the property’s IP network.

Airwave installed a mixture of Philips and Samsung commercial TVs across di erent areas of the hospital, including patient bedrooms, day care beds and chemotherapy chairs. TV models included:

· Philips 19-inch HFL511W

· Philips 32-inch HFL5114

· Samsung 43 & 50-inch ET690 Series

An Otrum Mirage patient entertainment system was embedded on each TV, featuring a homepage with scrolling leader

Circle Healthcare

images and messaging.

Otrum Mirage packs a lot of power under its bonnet, but the key to every good patient information system is simplicity (to find out what makes a great PES, see pages 26 &27). Bearing this firmly in mind, Airwave’s technical design team built a series of pages that facilitated quick and intuitive access to the TV channel line-up and casting functionality. This provided by commercially certified Google Chromecast,

Founded in 2004, the Circle Healthcare Group is the UK’s largest independent hospital group, with 2 million patient visits a year across 50+ hospitals. With a service ethos centred around the provision of a world class patient experience, Circle combines clinical excellence with significant investment in innovation and technology.

Airwave is proud to play a small part in this, having supplied patient entertainment technology to Circle since 2016. Projects of note include an IPTV upgrade at Bath Clinic, patient entertainment system implementations at Circle hospitals in Birmingham and Reading, and a 230-point installation at Hinchingbrooke Hospital (now operated by the NHS).

In 2023, Airwave was thrilled to be awarded a two-year contract to upgrade and refurbish the group’s bedside TV technology, from roof to floor (all works from the installation of rooftop reception equipment, to the implementation of healthcare TV and PES systems) across Circle’s portfolio of properties.

Sancta Maria

Part of the Healthcare Management Trust charity, HMT Sancta Maria is situated within a £25 million state-of-the-art building in Swansea’s Maritime Quarter in the south of Wales.

accessible via a dedicated button on the GUI’s home-page. Of course, not everybody is tech savvy, so clear, concise connection instructions greet the user.

Each TV was wall-mounted in accordance with the location, using either trolleys, or swivel & ultra slim wall brackets. All remote controls were housed in easyclean perspex holders, and attached to curly cords to prevent theft/being misplaced.

“Everything we do is driven by what our patient needs,” state Sancta Maria, and in accordance with this thinking, Airwave was approached to design a wow factor patient entertainment platform to sit within the hospital’s in-patient areas.

Having installed an IPTV headend and various infrastructure to ensure a robust television signal, Airwave wall-mounted Samsung 690 Series SMART TVs at the foot of each bed. BTECH BT7523 tilt wall-mounts were used, o ering a low footprint solution and comfortable viewing from both bed and bedside chair.

Perspex remote control holders were wall-mounted to further enhance this neat and tidy aesthetic, with each RC attached to a cord to prevent theft or loss (a common issue in hospitals!)

Satisfying increasingly stringent infection control protocol, Airwave supplied Ruwido wipe clean RC12122 remote controls, featuring a waterproof polymer membrane keypad, and sealed housing for cleaning convenience.

An Otrum Mirage entertainment system was implemented on each TV, providing a series of interactive information pages and Google Chromecast.

Finishing o the installation, Airwave wall-mounted a 55-inch Samsung QBR Series digital signage display, run via Otrum’s signage software, and able to schedule content quickly and easily, via intuitive management software – ideal in a busy, dynamic hospital environment.

Designed on a modular platform, MYCARE TV can be easily customised and adapted to suit the provider’s needs and preferences.

WHAT IS MYCARE TV?

MYCARE TV is a cloud-based, SaaS (software as a service) management platform for digital surfaces, designed specifically for use in the healthcare industry.

Built on a modular platform, MYCARE TV allows the provider to fully customise a feature set to suit each specific situation.

Accessible via a customisable user interface, MYCARE TV provides a host of entertainment, education, and information services, whilst supporting healthcare professionals with workflow and operational e ciencies.

MYCARE TV seamlessly integrates with a range of delivery platforms – including smart TVs, tablets and BYOD solutions. Designed to reduce installation time and cost, the solution connects with both wired and wireless network infrastructure, and provides a robust platform for future development, feature releases and upgrades.

Features

» TV, radio & Internet

» Casting

» Meal Ordering

» Patient Service Requests

» Information Services

» Patient Surveys

Benefits

» Messaging Service

» Internet browser

» Treatment & Training Information

» RSS feeds

FLEXIBLE:

MYCARE TV’s modular platform allows the provider to choose from a menu of features, enabling the future introduction of additional modules. This reduces capital outlay and adds scope to augment the system in line with technology developments.

SCALABLE:

MYCARE TV is cloudbased and easily replicated or scaled across one or multiple sites (it can also be implemented within a partner facility via a WAN).

FUTURE-PROOF: Software and features can be remotely upgraded, and new features introduced, reducing the risk of technical obsolescence.

EFFICIENT: MYCARE TV o ers significant ROI potential via operational e ciencies, and additional revenue streams (such as advertising, premium content etc).

EASY: MYCARE TV is built upon ease-of-use as a guiding principle, o ering intuitive access for the patient, and ease of implementation, maintenance & upgrade for the provider.

Airwave is privileged to work with BUPA in the design and installation of commercial TV systems across its care services arm – which caters for 6,000+ residents in 123 care homes, and 10 Richmond Care Villages.

A world class healthcare provider BUPA was founded on 3rd April 1947, with a purpose “to prevent, relieve and cure sickness and ill-health of every kind.”

Operating internationally and serving over 38 million customers, BUPA is run as a private company limited by guarantee, holding no shareholders and reinvesting all profits.

Headquartered in London, BUPA’s UK operation consists of health insurance (currently totalling 2.3m customers), dental care, care services, healthcare services and BUPA Global.

The perfect partnership

Airwave’s ethos centres around the notion that no two projects are identical - each provider has varying requirements that can’t be fulfilled by the supply of template technology.

A product agnostic philosophy facilitates the design and delivery of TV systems to cater for the most nuanced of needs, delivering a welfare first level of care in line with BUPA’s values.

Since the birth of the Airwave & BUPA relationship in 2017, Airwave has installed Samsung, Philips, LG and Cello TVs of varying sizes and specification to BUPA properties across the UK. Most displays are implemented within bedrooms (or within a resident’s personal space), but many TVs typically 50-inch+ screens) are installed within public spaces, such as resident lounges and sta areas.

Various mounting solutions are deployed, including flat-to-wall (aiding a minimalist aesthetic) and swivel-mounts (useful for

“We love working with BUPA, delivering di erent solutions to suit the various technology and budgetary needs of each individual property - a true reflection of the need to o er a consultative sales process.”

Jes Redgard, Head of Healthcare Sales, Airwave large rooms with various seating positions). Airwave also o er a multitude of auxiliary products, including soundbars, specialist healthcare remote controls, infection control technology and interactive entertainment systems – featuring technologies such as commercially certified Google Chromecast and video on demand movie services.

New and old

Airwave have implemented TV technology within refurbishment / upgrade projects, and new build properties - and is delighted to have installed a TV system within the UK’s first specialist dementia care village, in Willaston, Cheshire (see page 18 for more details).