This is the first time since Cindy Coleman was admitted to the hospital for testing that she's been able to see her parents. "I think it's awesome."
Because they are elderly and her father sick, they couldn't come in person, but can now make a virtual visitation. "I think it's great! I hope this goes through where everybody could do it, say Pat and Don Coleman, parent's of patient.
Right now, it's a pilot program at Via Christi Hospital on St. Teresa. Four portable computers with web cams -- once used for video-conferencing for hospital staff -- now allow a patient to talk online with a loved one who may be too ill or far away to visit. The only requirement. "We have a confirmation from the participant on the other end that they have a web cam available, and they download some very simple software, and we just make the connection, and then they are able to visit," says Melissa Evraets, Via Christi Hospital.
That one-on-one interaction often boosts the patient's morale. "It really lifted my spirits to see her spirits lifted, to get to visit with our parents, and it lifted their spirits because they've been wanting to physically see her and speak to her. It's better this way than by phone," says Jodie Mayer, patient's sister.
If the trial program goes well, Via Christi plans to use the computers in all its facilities, helping patients feel a little more at home. "I love you. I love you too, babe."
This "virtual visitation" program could even allow a soldier overseas to witness the birth of his own baby-- one more way to bridge the gap between patient and family.
