PatientDirect TV is a closed-circuit TV program, “narrowcasted” over the Internet to physicians’ offices across Canada. PatientDirect TV delivers educational health content to physicians’ waiting areas, enjoyed by patients before they visit with their doctor. Patients are exposed to up-to-date health information, health hints, FAQ’s and news/sports/weather updates on a large screen LCD TV strategically located in each waiting area.  Non-audio, dynamic colour video images hold patients’ attention, while ensuring their comfort.

Studies have shown that the average patient waits approximately 20 minutes in a doctor’s office before they are able to see their practitioner. During this time, patients may become bored and even frustrated, if they have little to do while they wait. PatientDirect TV responds to this need, providing patients with physician-reviewed health content generated by its own editorial committee, as well as from a number of reputable content partners, including the College of Family Physicians of Canada, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, the CBC and the Weather Network.

Content shown on PatientDirect TV is refreshed monthly and generally follows an editorial calendar, covering a wide array of health conditions and seasonal trends. Physicians are supplied with a quarterly TV program guide, outlining the program content for that particular period, as well as a listing of sponsors  and their products showing for that period. Physicians are polled regularly with respect to the health content provided to patients and are encouraged to share their views with HCN’s editorial staff. Additionally, physician-hosts have the opportunity to use up to 2 minutes of the program for their own needs – to make announcements, remind patients of clinic policy or promote certain services/events.

PatientDirect TV is delivered through an Internet connection to a PC located in each participating office.  The program content is downloaded on a nightly basis, and played in a looped fashion, repeating every 20 minutes throughout the day. The PatientDirect TV network consists of 300 medical offices, providing service to  over 1500 physicians across Canada. Go to Demo