Arizona Burn Center Awarded Grant from Avnet for ditto™ for Children

NEW YORK, Dec. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Arizona Burn Center at Maricopa Medical Center will now be using Diversionary Therapy Technologies' (DTT) innovative ditto™ device for pediatric patients in their Burn Unit.  Avnet, Inc. awarded sponsorship of the ditto device to Maricopa Health Foundation in November and the gift was recently deployed.

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"At Avnet, our charitable giving goals support children's issues, education and technology.  Supporting the Maricopa Health Foundation request for funding for the ditto™ device, which is an interactive technology than can help children understand their medical procedures and reduce their anxiety, was an easy decision for us.  Burn Centers provide critical services for patients during a time that can be very traumatic, so making this grant to the Pediatric Department at the Arizona Burn Center is even more rewarding," stated Teri Radosevich, Vice President - Community Relations at Avnet, Inc.

DTT's ditto™ device incorporates the latest research that using distraction and educational techniques simultaneously lowers stress and anxiety prior to or during a procedure. This advancement draws upon augmented reality, a multi-modal sensory-based distraction medium that combines technology and therapy. Using an interactive touch screen, colorful marker keys and an automatic response to physical movement, the ditto™ engages patients, effectively averting their attention from a possibly negative experience.

"We are excited to incorporate the ditto™ into our patient care routine," said Ruth B. Rimmer, PhD, Developmental Psychologist at the facility. "Using the ditto™ to ease anxiety in pediatric patients is not only helping to improve the child's long-term outcome but helpful to clinicians so they can best perform a procedure."

The ditto™ looks a lot like a traditional video game console and includes a variety of interactive games, stories and procedural preparation tools. The handheld, waterproof device is portable and easy-to-operate for children of all ages. Unlike commercial video game devices, ditto™ is proven to reduce stress and anxiety, lower treatment times, and improve patient outcomes.

Lori LeSueur, a Child Life Specialist at the Arizona Burn Center explained, "The ditto™ offers a quality combination of education, engaging games, and appealing stories to enhance children's understanding and coping with the hospital stay."  She adds, "The easy navigation of this device, by children and adults alike, in both wet and dry procedural environments make it an asset to any facility. It is an unparalleled tool in pediatric patient care."

Doctors, surgeons, nurses, play specialists, and animation teams developed the ditto™ over the course of six years and subjected it to more than eight independent clinical trials that have demonstrated its effectiveness.  New procedures, games and stories are continuously being added to the range of programs available, as DTT continues to work with experts to establish fresh content.

About Diversionary Therapy Technologies

Diversionary Therapy Technologies is a global company headquartered in Australia that masterminded the development of ditto™ portable device.  DTT worked with The Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, to create the handheld, waterproof device that is used prior to and during painful medical procedures to reduce children's anxiety. Learn more at www.dtt-usa.com.

About Arizona Burn Center at Maricopa Medical Center

The Arizona Burn Center was founded by Dr. MacDonald Wood in 1965, and has grown from a few beds set aside for burn care, to our current, specialized unit of 37 beds, expandable to 47 of which 19 can be used for intensive care, if necessary. The Burn Center serves all of Arizona and receives patients from many surrounding states and Northern Mexico. This makes the Arizona Burn Center the second largest in North America. More information can be found at www.azburncenter.com.

About Maricopa Health Foundation
The Maricopa Health Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization and an integral part of the culture, care and service at Maricopa Integrated Health System. The mission of Maricopa Health Foundation is to provide philanthropic support of Maricopa Integrated Health System programs, education, research and capital improvement projects that advance patient welfare and improve health care in the community. More information can be obtained at www2.mihs.org/foundation/mhf/index.html.

About Avnet, Inc.

Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology serving customers globally. Avnet accelerates its partners' success by connecting the world's leading technology suppliers with a broad base of customers by providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, Avnet generated revenue of $25.7 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.

SOURCE Diversionary Therapy Technologies