Innovation: Baylor meeting the needs of its patients

We have all been talking about providing hotel-like amenities to our patients for some time, but it has been difficult to find some leading institutions willing to make the investments in patient comforts. While I'm sure there are others out their, a recent story covered some of the work Baylor has done in one of its new facilities.

Some of the key investments Baylor is using to differentiate themselves:

• Interactive TV - where you can order on demand movies and television programs
• On-demand room service 24 hours a day using a custom-designed menu (which only presents items within dietary guidelines set by the patient's physician)
• Wireless internet access for laptop users
• A comprehensive "business center" on each floor for families and visitors

In an industry defined by declinig reimbursement, it is likely that operating efficiency that produces necessary margins to invest in patient comfort may becoming a growing market differentiator in competing markets.

Note: If you know of other providers who are making considerable investments in patient comforts, please send us a comment below!