In the near future, hospitalized patients and their families may have access to the Internet, e-mail, cable television, games, movies and some hospital services at a networked computer next to their bed.

Ball State University researchers and students from the university's Center for Information and Communication Sciences are conducting a usability study for Cardinal Health System on TigrVue, a bedside interactive display system that integrates television and computer technology. The system is a product of TeleHealth Services, a healthcare firm based in Raleigh, N.C.

Richard Bellaver, an information and computer sciences professor, led the research team reviewing installation issues as well as TigrVue's potential role in increasing patient satisfaction.

"Being in a hospital is not a lot of fun for most people," he said. "Having access to the outside world through this system may ease some suffering or at least take their minds off their problems by watching a movie or their favorite television show."

By utilizing touch-screen technology and a keyboard interface, the system also allows clinicians, patients and family members to access the information they need to stay informed and make the best healthcare decisions.

Bellaver and his students recently completed the first phase of the usability study during spring semester. Researchers studied the reactions of about 20 people between the ages of 20 to 65 as they used TigrVue. Each person was placed in a hospital bed in the School of Nursing's "Wellcome Home" room in the Cooper Science Complex and taught how to use the computer system.  

"The initial study revealed several correctable problems, but overall satisfaction levels were very good," Bellaver said. "Computers have become a normal part of daily life for the majority of people. Many of us need that regular interaction to keep in contact with the outside world."

The second phase of the study will be conducted early this summer at Ball Memorial Hospital. The study will determine the ability of interfacing TigrVue with the hospital's clinical information system, allowing healthcare professionals and nursing students to access and use clinical applications. 

A third phase at Ball Memorial Hospital, which plans to install 30 to 35 prototype units, will determine how well patients like the device, how much TigrVue improves patient satisfaction and if patients object to sharing a unit with a clinician who will use it at specific times for patient care.

"The company is totally impressed with the university and the ease with which communication has been handled," said Stephanie Heitmeyer, Midwest market specialist for TeleHealth Services. "Professor Bellaver and his students have been a joy to work with on this project. We have never encountered such a high level of professionalism and expertise.

"It will be a coup for Muncie to have such a progressive feature for its medical facilities," she said. "It will be a validation for TeleHealth when the trial is completed and the data shows that nurses and patients have all benefited from such an endeavor."

When the testing is complete, TigrVue will be offered to hospitals and other medical facilities nationwide, company officials said.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Bellaver at rbellaver@bsu.edu or (765) 285-1503. Information about TeleHealth Services may be found online at www.telehealth.com.)