Patient entertainment proves to be a positive distraction

Children’s Medical Center Dallas is providing that extra level of care is with a suite of entertainment amenities that includes an internal television network, the Red Balloon Network, which is broadcast into every inpatient and outpatient room on three campuses, according to an article on the Medical Construction & Design website. 

Programming for the network includes live shows broadcast from the Seacrest Studios, an interactive space for patients to explore the creative realms of radio, television and additional media providing opportunities for patients to learn, explore and play interactive games. 

Seacrest Studios, which is the result of a partnership between Children’s and the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, also offers a performance stage, which serves as a venue for celebrities, artists and performers who visit the facility, as well as a courtyard for visitors to enjoy activities occurring inside of the studio, according to the studio.

“The studio is a hub of activity,” Ben Retta, senior director of support services for Children’s, said in the article. “The purpose is to uplift the spirits of the patients, families and staff. The programming has a positive impact and allows patients some normalcy while dealing with chronic illness. It gives us a unique opportunity to enhance the patient-family experience here at Children’s and to provide a virtual playroom for children.”

After just over a year, the studio has received an overwhelmingly positive response from patients, families and staff, according to the article. Patients incorporate the studio into their daily routine while hospitalized and often schedule outpatient visits to coincide with their favorite studio program.

The hospital is taking advantage of entertainment technology in other ways as well. Patients have the ability to access gaming systems and now we have introduced the ability for these patients to interact with the studio via their TV.

Read the article.