Using an iPad in the rooms of the surgical intensive care unit (SICU), patients and family members login to the Patient and Family Portal to learn about the people and environment in the SICU as well as provide information about the patient to the care team.

When patients or family members choose “My Profile,” they can supply personal details about the patient such as hometown, hobbies and favorite television shows. Individuals on the care team can access the profile to get to know the patient and accommodate his or her preferences.

The “My Profile” section also has a place for patients and their families to share their thoughts on what they believe is most important for the care team to know. For example, they can explain what their biggest concerns are while in the SICU or what inspires them when they face tough times.

The section on “Family Involvement,” provides a menu of options that the family can choose from to provide care for their loved one. The menu includes activities like brushing hair or teeth, eating, and sitting up and walking.

After deciding what menu items they would like to help doing, family members can choose the day and time that would be best for them. The care team is notified of the family member’s request and can adjust schedules to accommodate the requested activity.

When users select “My Room,” they can learn about the furniture and equipment in the room through an interactive feature that explains everything from the television system and internet to the clinical workstation.