HealthWatch, Inc. manufactures state-of-the-art computer systems and has developed an extensive software package specifically designed for use by the healthcare industry. HealthWatch is a user-friendly, video-on-demand system that delivers education and training content to patients and staff. It features simultaneous video access through the existing cable TV systems and through the Internet/Intranet PC networks. It also provides a centralized database of all education/training activities, which will help hospitals meet the documentation requirements of the Joint Commission of Accredited Hospital's Organization.

HealthWatch was designed to allow a patient/staff member to request a video through their phone system or PC network. The video can then be viewed on either a television or staff PC. HealthWatch software walks the patient/staff member through a short series of easy to follow prompts that selects language preference, allows for authorization of selected videos and records the information required for documentation and accreditation purposes. Additionally, multiple users can simultaneously access any video on the HealthWatch system 24 hours a day, thereby eliminating scheduled programming.

One of the largest benefits to hospitals is the cost savings derived from the more efficient use of staff time. Previously, hospital staff had to personally attend to patient education. Now by using the HealthWatch system, which provides unattended patient access to educational videos, the staff will have more time to devote to other health care services. Additionally, staff training also becomes easier and more efficient because training can occur at any time that is convenient for each staff member's schedule. This greatly reduces the need for coordination of group/mass training sessions by allowing access to the on-line video library, so training can now be done individually as well as simultaneously.

HealthWatch was designed using a digitally based approach providing a more reliable, versatile and scalable solution as compared to VCR based systems. It is more reliable because it uses industry proven disk drive technology in place of conventional mechanical tape drive subsystems. HealthWatch is more versatile because any number of users can concurrently access the system from patient rooms, or a PC network. With HealthWatch the initial system investment is protected because of its unlimited scalable expansion capabilities.

HealthWatch provides unparalleled video quality through its multimedia digital video delivery system. Unlike conventional tape systems, digital video will not experience image quality degradation with usage.

In conclusion, the HealthWatch system promotes cost-effective and time-efficient training. It greatly enhances the learning and comprehension process of the patient/staff members by using the most advanced educational technology available today.