Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does a typical system cost?
   It varies depending on the size of each facility and the features selected.  We can narrow the cost down for budgetary purposes but we need to talk with you before we can do that. Once you have a good ballpark estimate you can average these figures on a cost per patient bed per day over the next 5 – 7 years and you will find the cost is insignificant compared to the educational benefit and potential cost savings for your hospital.
   
   
2. What does the patient experience?
   Most of our systems use a simple phone interface.  This is both easy to use and familiar to all patients regardless of their education.  They dial a phone extension and follow the voice prompts to order a program.
   
   
3. What about foreign language speaking patients?
   Our system can handle up to 10 languages for the order entry process.  We include English with every system.  For other languages we provide the recording framework with English scripts.  You provide a local staff member to translate and record the voice prompts for each language you need.  We do this to ensure that the local dialects are appropriate for your area.  Foreign language usage within educational videos will vary depending on the provider. Most titles are available in both English and Spanish. 
   
   
4. Can guests and family members use the system?
   Yes. We encourage them to do so because after-care usually depends on family members and the more they know the better prepared and more confident they will be with their new duties.
   
   
5. Is the system difficult to maintain?
   No. There is very little maintenance required beyond keeping the system clean (i.e. no significant dust build-up) and periodic database maintenance. We provide you with a short list of items and a recommended schedule. We can do some of these things remotely for you if you prefer.
   
   
6. Can we load new content?
   Yes. There are several ways to add new titles to the system and the loading process depends on the source of the content, i.e. DVD, digital file, live camera, Internet download or videotape. We will train your staff on how to manage each type and you can always call our Customer Service Department with any questions.
   
   
7. What video format does your system use?
   Right now we use MPEG2 for our CCTV or cable version and Windows Media for our streaming version but more formats will be available in the near future.
   
   
8. What type of infrastructure is necessary? Do we have to re-wire the hospital?
   No. One of the advantages of our system is that we can utilize your existing phone, TV’s, Cable TV and network infrastructure. This saves you money and time at installation.
   
   
9. We are building a new hospital and want to upgrade to use HD TV’s.
   We can provide systems that will work using standard cable TV channels, digital cable or streaming over the network.  This ensures that if you purchase a system from us now and later elect to upgrade your infrastructure your MMDS system can upgrade with you.
   
   
10. We have outpatient infusion centers can this work in a chair-side application?
    Yes. We have a touch screen version that not only provides your patients with access to education and television but they can also access their webmail, browse the Internet and do more while they are receiving treatment.  In addition each patient uses earphones so the sound level within the infusion center is much quieter without multiple TV’s which makes it nicer for staff.
    
    
11. Can the system interface with our Electronic Patient Records system?
    Yes. We have an optional HL7 Interface that can be used with ADT and EMR. These usually require some customized programming to match up the data fields but once this is done the system will automatically update each patient’s record when a program is viewed. This improves documentation and saves staff time and effort.
    
    
12. Will it interface with our LMS System that we use for staff?
    Probably. We would need to talk with your vendor to see if there is an API or other available interface.
    
    
13. How do we get service if there is a problem?
    The system includes an “Error Pager” function that will call the System Administrator if there is a problem. That person should be able to address a majority of typical issues. If you need assistance from our Customer Service staff please call 800-601-6991 at any time. Service is available during normal business hours (8:30am to 5:30pm Central Time). We also offer optional after-hours and weekend support as well by calling the same office number and the call will be handled by an answering service who will forward your request to an “on-call” technician. You can also reach us via the Internet on our Support Website and review our Knowledge Base, Forum, Tutorials or leave a support request.
    
    
14. What education content comes with the system?
    We include approximately 80 titles from sources such as the National Institute of Health, American Heart Association, Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control as examples. You can email us for a complete list of titles. We can also include education from trusted sources such as wired.MD.
    
    
15. Does the system include a warranty?
    Yes, it comes with a full one year warranty that covers hardware and software with 24/7 support. After the first year you can choose from several different options for on-going support.
    
    
16. What happens if we change personnel?
    If you change personnel we strongly recommend that they be trained to manage and operate the system. We can accomplish this with a site visit or online.
    
    
17. We have HD TV screens in our hallways, entry ways and waiting rooms. Can they be tied to the system or can you provide Digital Signage?
    Yes, we can do both. We can broadcast content out to these systems or utilize our Informa or FireBird products to provide Digital Signage which means we can display graphics and photos with text as well as video including news and weather plus TV content. Our Digital Signage software includes a web interface that multiple departments can use to update their own content thus saving time and effort.
    
    
18. What other interface options are available besides the phone?
    We have a touch screen interface for personal TV’s that mount over the bed. We also offer a pillow speaker interface but this requires a dedicated box in each room. We have a web interface that can be accessed using a smart phone, tablet PC or laptop as well.
    
    
19. Can we stream video to staff desktops or to patients over the Internet?
    Yes you can. We can provide a variety of streaming applications.  Before planning for streaming to staff PC’s please check and make sure that all staff PC’s have speakers as some early IT efforts only planned for data rather than video and without the speakers there is no audio to go with the video.