Unity Medical Announces New iPad Application to be Piloted by Leading Hospitals

New iPad App Utilizes Interactive Video to Enhance Patient Experience at Point of Care and Beyond

BOISE, Idaho, April 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Unity Medical, Inc. a premier provider of digital health tools that enhance the patient experience today announced that two pioneering hospital systems will pilot the company's new Medical Video jLog™ for the Apple iPad™, an innovative application that utilizes short form interactive video to explain common medical procedures such as CT scans, cardiac stent placements, and physical rehabilitation treatment.  Florida Hospital for Children at Walt Disney Pavilion in Orlando and St. Luke's Health System in Boise, Idaho will pilot customized versions of the jLog app starting Monday, April 5.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100405/DC81177)

"At Florida Hospital, we are continuously seeking new ways to enhance patient engagement and ultimately patient outcomes.  Technology is a critical part of that mix," said Marla Silliman, administrator of Florida Hospital for Children.  "This application will support our patient resource specialists in ensuring that children and their parents understand and feel comfortable with important medical procedures and mitigate any potential fears or concerns they may have."  

The Florida Hospital application consists of an animated sequence of five 2-4 minute videos and interactive Q&A featuring a young boy named Max and his bear friend Buddy as Buddy undergoes a CT scan.  Videos are conversational, entertaining, age-appropriate, and provide children with a detailed overview of the procedure.  A similar jLog for MRIs will soon be added.

The pilot program with St. Luke's will initially include more than 20 jLogs, which includes content for patients undergoing heart and vascular procedures, and for those participating in physical rehabilitation programs.  Patients can view videos and patient testimonials on iPads in the hospital or download content directly from the iTunes store to their iPad at home, for use anywhere they choose.  

"St. Luke's Health System has worked collaboratively with Unity Medical on a number of Web-based platforms to prepare patients for medical procedures and hospital visits or allow them to interact with health care providers from home – user-friendly technology that patients say helps them feel connected and knowledgeable about their condition," said David C. Pate, M.D., J.D., President and CEO of St. Luke's Health System.   "We believe the new jLog iPad application will further enhance patients' experience both at the point of care, and wherever they choose to receive the information."

"Unity Medical has been fortunate to work with healthcare leaders committed to evolving and improving the medical experience by increasing patient engagement," said Michael Boerner, Founder and CEO, Unity Medical.  "Now with a platform like the iPad that is highly portable, we can offer dynamic, visual and impactful educational tools like jLog that support health care professionals and their mission of serving the patient in the hospital and clinic setting."

Research has shown that video-assisted patient education can increase patient knowledge and satisfaction and reduce anxieties.  jLog was initially developed as a Web-based platform and is now being expanded to mobile technologies including the iPad.

Interviews, b-roll and product demonstrations are available upon request.

About Unity Medical

Unity Medical, an award-winning, innovator of healthcare technology combines HD video production with Web 2.0 tools and high level strategic consulting to create a best-in-class, patient engagement and education platform.  The goal of Unity Medical product and services is to connect people and information, increase patient safety, reduce healthcare costs and improve the quality of care. Its clients include leading hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations looking for new ways to enhance the patient experience and reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system.

About Florida Hospital

The Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children is a full-service facility served by more than 70 pediatric specialists, one of the largest panels of pediatric experts in Central Florida and a highly trained pediatric team of more than 600 employees. This unique children's hospital provides patients with private, family-centered pediatric rooms, a dedicated pediatric emergency department and an Advanced Center for Pediatric Surgery. The recent expansion includes a seven-floor dedicated entrance, three-story lobby, and when completed the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children will have a total of more than 200 pediatric beds.

About St. Luke's Health System

St. Luke's Health System is Idaho's largest and only locally controlled health care system employing more than 7,800 people. With hospitals in Boise, Meridian, Ketchum and Twin Falls, St. Luke's provides patients with unmatched care in specialized medical fields including cancer, heart and vascular, obstetrics, women's services and children's health care. To find out more, visit www.stlukesonline.org.

SOURCE Unity Medical, Inc.