Healing Arts content is now up and running on the Nebraska Medical Center televison system, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), available in hospital rooms and other patient areas throughout the Nebraska Medical Center. The channel is the culmination of a partnership between the Healing Arts Program, Nebraska Medicine Patient Experience, and IT department.
“For a long time we’ve struggled to find ways to have a meaningful connection with patients who are not able to leave their hospital rooms,” Healing Arts Program Director Amy Jenson said. “This feature now allows patients and their caregivers the ability to participate and enjoy the art and programs we offer as part of the Healing Arts Program, from artworks in our permanent collection to musical performances.”
All the art in the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is now available through slideshows of more than 200 images of art. Patients also can watch a video on the creation of the Chihuly Sanctuary, the cornerstone of the Healing Arts Program, as well as a video on the Cancer Center’s featured artist.
The channel also features a 30-minute performance by Mary Bircher, the medical center’s harpist-in-residence, whose music encourages relaxation. Performances by Opera Omaha and other local arts organizations will be added soon, as well.
“IT is very excited to partner with Healing Arts and Patient Experience to technologically enable this content on almost 1,000 IPTV’s all around campus,” said Marc Ferguson, IT operations executive director for UNMC and Nebraska Medicine. “This new technology is replacing the traditional cable and satellite services around the world. Accessed off of the main menu, the Healing Arts content is another example of fulfilling the promise of IPTV to entertain, inform and aid in the healing process for our patients.”
“We need the arts now more than ever, and the connection the arts play in providing comfort and healing is tremendous,” Jenson said. “The arts support the health and well-being of patients, their families, and their caregivers.”
This is great news. Art is so important. It is one of the things that make us human.