When children are waiting at a hospital to undergo major medical treatments, fear and anxiety only add to their distress. The concept of “Positive Distraction” is based on the premise that when patients are diverted by visuals that engage their attention, they are better able to cope with their emotions, manage their pain and develop a greater sense of trust toward the hospital environment.
Providing such environments dovetails with the mission of nationally ranked Children’s Hospital of Michigan, which states that they “will improve the health and well being of all children and their communities by advancing the science and practice of pediatric health care and through advocacy efforts.”
Working closely with the staff of Children’s Hospital of Michigan and the leadership of the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, Bluewater developed a unique interactive distraction environment for the institution’s young patients. The installation encourages youngsters of all ages to physically engage with their environment using simple gestures in ways that are not only amusing but also empowering – an excellent example of Positive Distraction.
As hospital CEO, Luanne Thomas Ewald explains, “Kids come in, clinging to their parents – very nervous about what is supposed to happen. Then we see kids drift toward a wall and go into their own little world. That’s definitely the environment we were trying to create.”
Children’s Hospital of Michigan has found Bluewater’s installation to be extraordinarily successful in helping young patients, their families and their healthcare providers. By helping to relieve stress and pain, this Distraction Environment is playing a part in ensuring a more positive prognosis for patients and caregivers now and in the future.
Our ActivePlay interactive wall provides healthcare facilities with an immersive canvas for patients to play, explore, and smile. The product is available in multiple sizes, with Children’s Hospital receiving two walls, a 5 panel version in the lobby and a single LCD in an upstairs waiting area.
Control is handled by a depth sensing technology, making this a touch-free system, perfect for an environment with hygiene concerns. This method also prevents smudges and fingerprints that cause frequent cleaning and touch systems.
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