Submitted by Michael B O'Neil, Jul 17, 2007 17:12

Elizabeth Solomont's July 13 article ("City Home to Many of 'America's Best Hospitals'") shows the importance of patient satisfaction in fulfilling not just front line tasks such as medicine compliance, but in improving the state of healthcare in America. The aging baby-boomer generation, increased attention on consumer-driven healthcare and nursing shortages are putting service and quality pressure on the healthcare system. Hospitals are turning to technology for the answers, but solutions such as electronic medical records and health spending accounts are not the complete solution to helping the average American become an active participant in their health.

My own experiences as a cancer survivor exposed me to the importance of taking part in your own healthcare. New Interactive Patient Care technology at the bedside is helping progressive hospitals directly engage patients by providing valuable patient education, pain assessment/management, medication teaching, and doctor feedback and interaction that directly contribute to the patient experience. Many of the top hospitals in the country are empowering patients with these tools through bedside television monitors. Patient engagement is a critical component in driving consumers toward better care, and ultimately reducing costs.

Sincerely,

Michael B. O'Neil, Jr.

Founder & CEO

GetWellNetwork, Inc.

7920 Norfolk Ave. 11^th Floor

Bethesda, MD 20814

240-482-3200

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