GetWellNetwork® and Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Recognized for Service Excellence by Modern Healthcare

Patient Surveys Report 9% Increase of Ease in Finding Staff and 9.4% Increase in Timely Responses to Patient Needs

Bethesda, MD (January 24, 2007) – GetWellNetwork, Inc., a leading provider of Interactive Patient Care (IPC) solutions, announced today that its client, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, was recognized by the 14th Annual Modern Healthcare “Spirit of Excellence” awards for Service Excellence.  Evaluated by a panel of judges, the hospital was honored for achieving excellence in service and patient and resident satisfaction that has resulted from its innovative use of the GetWellNetwork® PatientLife System™. 

The GetWellNetwork system transforms the patient television into a full interactive resource that includes dynamic health education content and communication tools. In place since 2004, patients are provided bedside access to this unique and innovative system that empowers, informs and entertains them during their stay in the hospital.

“Inova Fair Oaks Hospital is dedicated to providing excellent service and outstanding quality care to our patients,” said Todd McGovern, senior director of operations and business development at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.  “GetWellNetwork is a key system that we implemented to help hardwire our service goals as we strive to become the highest rated hospital for patient satisfaction in the region.”

By turning the patient-room television monitor into a comprehensive interactive resource, the GetWellNetwork PatientLife System enables Inova Fair Oaks Hospital to provide true Interactive Patient Care environments in which patients and family members are fully engaged, informed, and empowered as active participants in the healthcare process. By using a wireless keyboard or remote control, patients can access valuable medication information, safety education, pain assessments, health and wellness information, and entertainment and Web access. Furthermore, patients can provide feedback about their hospital stay, ask for help through the system, and receive a response in real time. Patients can ask for adjustments to room temperature, room cleanliness or other repairs, food and diet changes, counseling and spiritual guidance, or treatment help from nurses. Once a request is entered by the patient into the GetWellNetwork system, a staff member responsible for the item is immediately alerted in real-time and can respond appropriately.

Because of the hospital’s commitment to improving the patient experience, it now ranks in the 89.8 percentile out of 240 hospitals across the country for patient satisfaction according to a current PRC phone-based survey.  Patient surveys in 2004-2005 reported a 9% increase of ease in finding staff and a 9.4% increase in timely responses to patient needs in the postpartum wing.

“Congratulations to Inova Fair Oaks Hospital for their relentless pursuit to improve quality of care and patient satisfaction for their community.  At GetWellNetwork, we are honored that our partnership with the hospital has resulted in such a successful integration of our solutions into their strategic efforts.  We are proud to be part of the award winning and innovative care happening at Inova,” said Michael O’Neil, Jr., CEO of GetWellNetwork, Inc. “This Modern Healthcare award solidifies the impact Interactive Patient Care has had in improving patient lives through patient education, providing access to information and entertainment, and meaningful communication with the staff.”

About Inova Fair Oaks Hospital
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital is a 182-bed advanced acute care community hospital serving the rapidly growing suburbs of Northern Virginia.  The hospital specializes in obstetrics, gastroenterology, and surgical services including bariatric, joint replacement, spine, vascular and minimally invasive surgery. Inova Fair Oaks Hospital was named a winner of the prestigious 2006 U.S. Senate Productivity and Quality Award (SPQA) for Virginia. The hospital was one of two organizations in the state to be honored with the U.S. Senate Medallion of Excellence for being a model organization and demonstrating excellence and maturity in its business approaches, deployment, and results. The SPQA for Virginia is the longest continuously running award for performance excellence in the country and its performance criteria and core values are adapted from the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

About GetWellNetwork, Inc.
GetWellNetwork, Inc. is a leading provider of Interactive Patient Care (IPC) solutions. In partnership with more than 50 thought leading hospitals and healthcare systems, the company delivers innovative technology and services to drive optimal patient outcomes. Empowering patients as active participants in the healthcare process, IPC solutions are patient-centric applications delivered at the point-of-care to ensure the completion of service and quality requirements, while driving new revenue opportunities and operational efficiencies for healthcare providers. GetWellNetwork and its clients have been widely acknowledged by the healthcare community, including receiving Spirit of Excellence 2006 recognition by Modern Healthcare. GetWellNetwork, Inc. headquarters are in Bethesda, Maryland. For more information, please call 877.MEET.GWN or visit www.getwellnetwork.com.

Contact:

For Inova Health System
Che Parker
(703) 321-2559
Che.Parker@inova.com

For GetWellNetwork, Inc.
Rachel Imbriglio    
(781) 684-0770    
getwellnetwork@schwartz-pr.com

John Plunkett
(240) 482-3134
jplunkett@getwellnetwork.com

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