Tablet Computer Use at the Bedside in a New Patient/Family Education Program

This article discusses various educational interventions implemented in a new patient/family education program at the University of South Alabama Children's & Women's Hospital in Mobile, Alabama, for patients and family members of those newly diagnosed with pediatric cancer and other chronic illnesses. Tablet computers were made available to access reputable, easy to understand health resources during the educational processes upon diagnosis and continued treatment at the hospital. MedlinePlus, Patient Education Institute's X-Plain videos and other National Library of Medicine resources were available at the bedside and while receiving chemotherapy infusions. Surveys were developed to determine the efficacy of the educational interventions.