Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, located in Boston, Mass., a provider of best treatment to cancer patients and a developer of tomorrow's cures through cutting-edge research, stated that it has started to lend iPads to patients, to help them pass the time while they arrive to the center for treatment. The portable Apple computers are available to sign out for a three-hour period at no charge; all that is needed is a patient identification card and driver's license.
Instead of medical personnel reviewing charts, chemotherapy patients are using the iPad to pass the time during infusions. The iPad program began in September as a computer pilot project and has been so successful that Dana-Farber has started to order more.
Andrea Casella, who comes to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute every week for chemotherapy to treat her lung cancer, stated that, Dana-Farber’s idea of lending iPads to patients is brilliant as it helps them to pass the time. Casella’s treatment takes a full day as she first starts with blood work, then the doctor’s appointment, and then the she goes for the chemo, which is time taking, exhausting, and boring. Therefore, an iPad is a great source of entertainment for Casella and other patients who visit Dana-Faber.
The iPads are preloaded with games like chess and Sudoku, movies, and a full library of music, as well as videos and information about cancer care at the Institute. The iPads also include many popular news and entertainment apps.
Chief Operating Officer of Dana-Faber, Janet Porter, explained that many patients who visit Dana-Faber Institute have to spend a great deal of their day with them in infusion chairs, with limited mobility. They have televisions and reading material already available for the patients, but the iPad is an extra way to help entertain them and pass the time.
Senior Vice President for Communications, Steven R. Singer, remarked that iPads work well because they are comparatively easy to use, has long battery life, and are quick and intuitive. They are also easier to keep disinfected than a laptop. Patients are required to only show a patient ID and driver’s license to sign out an iPad for a three-hour period at no charge. They will then receive the loaner iPad pre-loaded with games, movies, music, news and entertainment apps, as well as videos and information about cancer care at the Institute.
Nathesh is a contributing editor for HealthTechZone. To read more of Nathesh's articles, please visit his columnist page.Edited by
Jaclyn Allard
