News | November 8, 2012

New Generation Of Bedside Terminals Ensures Higher Clinical Efficiency And Patient Comfort At The Point Of Care

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Healthcare imaging specialist Barco announces the launch of the JAO ST-185B, the first of a new generation of JAO Smart Terminals for installation at the patient’s bedside. Combining superb ergonomics, unique software applications, and consumer-designed performance, the new generation of terminals will provide both patients and hospital staff with everything they need for an improved experience.

With the growing number of patients, healthcare providers are demanding a higher level of clinical efficiency. At the same time, patient comfort and satisfaction have become a fundamental part of the quality of care. The new JAO ST-185B is the first of a new range of patient bedside terminals. With hardware and software jointly developed, the new generation of bedside terminals pushes clinical productivity and patient comfort to the next level.

A patient-centered approach
“With our bedside terminals, we aim to engage patients during their stay in the hospital as we believe active patients are healthier patients,” explains Warren Kressinger-Dunn, VP of Strategic Marketing for Barco’s Point of Care Division. “Our software provides patients with more tools for health education, service requests and communication with the care team. Information and interaction are key.”

In terms of patient communication, Barco offers the latest applications. Real-time pop-up notifications inform patients about their doctor’s schedule, and customizable message boxes offer a more personalized patient experience. In terms of patient comfort, there are numerous entertainment options at the bedside, such as radio and TV, Internet access, games and Video-on-Demand. “But we also provide patients with a sense of independence – by enabling them to assess the quality of care through patient surveys, select their own meals, or control the lights in the room,” Kressinger-Dunn concludes.

Streamlining clinical workflow
Additionally, Barco’s bedside terminals provide hospital staff with direct access to a patient’s electronic medical records and the hospital information system while safeguarding patient privacy. Entering and retrieving data at the bedside, instant messaging with patients, and remote consultations are just a few of the benefits that significantly help reduce the amount of paperwork and improve clinical workflow.

Form fits function
The new 18.5” bedside terminal comes with a number of unique features that improve usability and performance. It is thinner, lighter and has a sleek, cutting-edge design. The terminal is power-efficient, incorporating LED backlights. The unit can be tilted, rotated 170 degrees, and comes with a multi-touch integrated touch screen.

This unique combination enables medical staff to put the screen in the perfect typing position – facilitating charting and documentation – and allows patients to view the screen while lying down. The terminal also comes with a barcode scanner which can be used for medicine dispensing or to identify patients and medical equipment, which can help reduce medical errors.

High-performance computing
Equipped with a new motherboard designed with Intel technology, Barco’s new Smart Terminal supports high-performance computing and enables smooth switching between various clinical applications. The powerful processor and high-end graphics card also support innovative triple-play solutions (e.g. web, IPTV, VoIP).

Fit for hospital use
Barco’s JAO ST-185B is built with anti-bacterial plastics and is fully sealed to avoid the spread of contaminants. Its smooth contoured design enables effortless cleaning and complete disinfection. It is waterproof, dustproof, and tested with hospital cleaning agents. Fan-less, quiet operation ensures maximum patient comfort.

A smarter generation
All legacy JAO Smart Terminals will be redesigned to match the new form factor and performance requirements. The first of the new generation of JAO Smart Terminals will be on display at Medica, Düsseldorf, 14-17 November, in Hall 15, booth E22.

About Barco
Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Barco is active in more than 90 countries with more than 3,700 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of 1.041 billion euro in 2011.

Source: Barco, Inc.