SAN DIEGO, Jan. 12, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skylight Healthcare Systems(R), the leading provider of interactive patient care systems, announced today that it has formalized a system-wide contractual agreement to install and deploy Skylight ACCESS(R) for three additional Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) hospitals. Following the successful launch of Skylight ACCESS at CTCA at Western Regional Medical Center in suburban Phoenix, the benefits of the Skylight system will now also be available to patients at CTCA hospitals in suburban Chicago, Philadelphia and Tulsa.
Patients and their families will enjoy a broad spectrum of digital amenities directly through their in-room television. The Skylight ACCESS System provides patients access to personalized educational videos related to their healthcare issues, healing and spiritual programs, service requests, dining menus, satisfaction surveys, and discharge information and instructions for continued care after leaving the hospital. Skylight ACCESS is a built-in patient service request and feedback system that patients operate with the click of a button -- without nursing staff assistance. Using the flat panel TV located in their rooms, patients easily navigate through an easy-to-read menu.
Additionally, the Skylight system provides a way for CTCA staff to monitor efficiency and customer satisfaction, which is paramount to CTCA, an organization committed to continuous process improvement and delivering care based on what patients value. All requests and responses are monitored in real-time. Skylight has taken things a step further by incorporating customized electronic satisfaction surveys. By responding to patients' concerns in real-time, hospitals using Skylight have seen their patient satisfaction scores greatly improve.
"I use Skylight to order food online and watch movies," said patient Melissa Waller, who receives treatment at CTCA in suburban Phoenix. "It's very convenient, especially when staying at the hospital as an inpatient, or to pass the time while I'm getting chemotherapy. I appreciate having this technology and resource available during my treatment at CTCA."
CTCA is expanding the Skylight ACCESS System as a component of its all-digital strategy. Skylight has had success in reducing hospital expenses, increasing staff efficiency, and improving patient satisfaction which ultimately leads to customer loyalty and repeat business.
"Part of our promise to cancer patients and their families is to provide information to help them make decisions about their treatment," said Chad A. Eckes, chief information officer at CTCA, a network of cancer hospitals offering patients integrative care that combines state-of-the-art conventional treatments, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, with an array of scientifically supported complementary therapies like nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicine, oncology rehabilitation, mind-body medicine and spiritual support -- all under one roof. "Our partnership with Skylight helps us accomplish that by empowering patients with information, resources and highly interactive care."
"For almost 30 years, CTCA has been on the leading edge of cancer treatment with this personalized, whole-person care model and we are honored to have been selected by CTCA as their interactive patient care system of choice," said David Schofield, president and CEO of Skylight. "This system-wide contract is another strategic partnership for Skylight that demonstrates how major health systems and specialty hospitals are taking the lead in driving improved patient satisfaction and quality of care. Coupled with the recent announcement of our new product initiatives, iCarePassport and iCareRounds, we continue to build our market leadership position in the interactive patient care arena."
About Skylight Healthcare Systems
Skylight(R) Healthcare Systems is the industry pioneer and leader in interactive patient care technology. With patient communication as the cornerstone of a safe, comfortable and clinically optimal hospital experience, the Skylight ACCESS(R) Interactive Patient System encourages patient and family to actively participate in their health care, improves communication between staff and patient/family members, and can provide a smoother and faster recovery and discharge plan. Skylight's vision is to provide hospitals with a robust tool which will allow them to greatly enhance interactive communication along the entire patient care continuum from pre-admission through post-discharge. In nearly 15,000 installed locations, leading hospital administrators have confidently selected Skylight Healthcare Systems as the proven choice for their interactive patient care technology. Skylight Healthcare Systems is headquartered in San Diego, California. For more information about Skylight Healthcare Systems, please visit: www.Skylight.com.
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About Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is a national network of hospitals providing a comprehensive, fully integrated approach to cancer treatment. CTCA serves patients with advanced cancer from all 50 states at facilities in suburban Chicago, Philadelphia, Tulsa and suburban Phoenix. For more information about CTCA, go to www.cancercenter.com.