Real-World Evaluation - Bedside Entertainment and Communication System (BECS)

Patient diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation are predominantly delivered within hospital settings, where advancements in medical technology have contributed to reduced lengths of stay for certain procedures, including surgical interventions (Fridh et al., 2015). Despite these efficiencies, demand for inpatient care remains substantial among individuals with complex health conditions who require enhanced levels of nursing support. Furthermore, increases in life expectancy have resulted in a growing proportion of patients living with multiple co‑morbidities, thereby intensifying the pressure on hospital services (Fridh et al., 2015). Digital innovations such as smart bedside stations (SBS) have emerged as a means of supporting both patient experience and clinical workflow. These systems typically provide functionalities including meal ordering, entertainment, internet access, and information on hospital services (Ryu et al., 2016). In addition, SBS platforms may enable patients to access diagnostic results and obtain educational material about their conditions and treatment plans. When effectively implemented, SBS technologies have the potential to enhance patient satisfaction and contribute to more streamlined and efficient clinical processes within hospital environments (Ryu et al., 2016). The TriTech Institute and Innovation Team were commissioned to conduct an independent evaluation of the BECS programme. Prior to this commission, the Digital Team at Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB) had undertaken preliminary data collection to inform the evaluation, including the compilation of user activity metrics and the gathering of qualitative feedback from both patients and staff.