The University of Utah Health – the premier academic medical centre in the intermountain region of the western United States – is taking patient care and education to new heights with a dedicated, cloud-based Carousel Digital Signage CMS network that also sharply reduces operational burdens. The new smart room initiative, installed throughout the Craig H Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital, brings together patient-assistive technologies (building automation, secure BYOD object control, enterprise voice control, voice-based nurse calls, and more) onto a common iOS-based platform.
Carousel Cloud immediately removes the technical headaches through a lightweight, software-defined architecture. The initial deployment is driving 4K content to 60 digital signage displays across several lobbies, hallways, two gyms and a cafeteria. In addition to the Carousel CMS for content management, the network leverages Carousel’s innovative approach of converting Apple TV devices to media players.
Beyond the initial Apple TV device configurations, Jamf – a device management provider that helps IT departments bring the Apple experience to corporate, education and government organisations – will schedule and maintain all iOS upgrades and patches. Jamf seamlessly integrates the smart room technologies and applications to automate zero-touch patient admission, discharge and room transfers; whilst enabling in-room BYOD functionality for patients and staff. The latter includes temperature and lighting control, door and window shade activation, and in-room entertainment control.
Jamf also handled the expert integration and rollout of Carousel Cloud digital signage software on the same network. A long-time Carousel Digital Signage partner, Jamf introduced Carousel Cloud to University of Utah Health’s IT staff as an alternative to the university’s existing digital signage systems.
For Brent Elieson, Associate Director for the IT Business and Innovation Office, the benefits of Carousel Cloud far outweigh those of the other existing digital signage systems on campus – especially given the advanced interoperability taking shape within the smart room ecosystem. University of Utah Health has used digital signage to communicate with visitors, patients and students for some time.
“We have found that our digital signage initiatives in other buildings have grown stale, and this is because the technical burden of creating content, updating software, and maintaining the network is too high,” said Elieson. “Our mission is to preserve, enhance and restore the quality of life for patients with severe and disabling conditions, and help them focus on the positive. That focus is diminished when we are weighed down by the burden of technology. We needed something that was easy to use and maintain, could help us reliably communicate important messages, and serve as a viable patient education platform.”
Jamf brings additional value to the digital signage operation by enabling interoperability between iPads and Carousel Cloud via AirPlay. For example, healthcare providers can use AirPlay to interrupt general Carousel content to deliver on-demand patient education sessions. The Carousel content immediately resumes following the session’s conclusion.
“Many of our patients have severe brain and spinal injuries, which means they have profound assistive and transition needs,” said Elieson. “The technologies that comprise our smart room scope, including our Carousel Digital Signage network, will empower our patients to operate all of this cutting-edge technology autonomously. The feeling of empowerment when the patient opens the door for the healthcare provider, for example, is gigantic, and our staff can return that favour through stronger education around the recovery and transition process on our digital signage.”
