September 2, 2008

Slumber Party in the ICU

Read an article on fiercehealthcare.com about hospitals and patient care in the ICU. Perfect example of how consumer-driven healthcare is already making waves even in the Intensive Care Unit.

Instead of dealing with a constant inflow of visitors, the article says some hospitals listened to their patients and made an interesting change. They have decided to let family members of very ill patients actually stay and live in the ICU.

This provides the patient emotional support, but the family member also helps them make decisions. They can be better consumers with a family member serving as an on-hand second opinion, which can be critically important for a severely ill individual.

It also helps the family member gain a better understanding of hospital protocol and can help build positive relationships with caregivers. Who knows, maybe someday we will see hotels partnering up with hospitals, taking paid reservations for a room in the ICU next to their loved one.

http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/trend-hospitals-bring-families-int...

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