Transforming Healthcare: Philips Unveils Solutions at MEDICA

Düsseldorf, Germany (ots/PRNewswire) -

New healthcare solutions developed with users and patients help
improve the recovery process and treatment options for patients while
supporting medical staff in their work

Healthcare is constantly changing. The best way to deal with this
change is for all parties in the sector to join forces. Philips is
putting this principle into action under the banner "Transforming
healthcare, together", and at this year's MEDICA it will demonstrate
solutions that have been developed together with users. On show will
be innovative solutions for imaging, patient monitoring, care in the
home and improving patient and staff experiences, all geared even
more clearly to the needs of clinics, doctors' surgeries and - most
importantly - patients. The new solutions will ensure up-to-date
patient care today and in in the future.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131120/654112-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131120/654112-b )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131120/654112-c )

New research concepts for ICUs

Research shows that most people will at least once in their life
be treated in an Intensive Care Unit[1]. During this critical phase
patients often find their surroundings stressful and intimidating.
Clinical research has shown that factors such as noise, social
isolation and bad lighting that is purely functional can considerably
increase the likelihood of the patient having to stay in hospital for
an extended period[2], and affect their emotional and psychological
well-being afterwards[3]. Philips is presenting two solutions to
address this issue at MEDICA.

Using its expertise in lighting and healthcare, Philips is working
with clinical partners to research ways to make the clinical
environment more pleasant for patients and translate those findings
into healthcare solutions. It recently developed a prototype for a
7-meter-long, luminous ceiling that simulates energizing daylight and
can also play audio-visual media content to support the patient's
well-being and recovery. This LED-based ceiling installation forms
part of an innovative integrated spatial concept for intensive care
patient rooms, which has been designed by the Charité Berlin in
conjunction with GRAFT architects[4].

The constant background noise in ICUs can also affect a patient's
recovery process. In a related project named Clear Mind[5], Philips
Research is working on a solution for analyzing this background so
that personnel can recommend actions to reduce noise levels.

Green hospitals

With medical equipment and lighting having a significant impact on
hospitals' electricity usage, Philips - globally recognized as one of
the world's greenest companies - offers a wide portfolio to help
hospitals operate more energy and cost efficiently using the latest
technologies such as LED solutions and intelligent controls. At
MEDICA, it is showcasing a new, fully LED-based version of its
successful HealWell patient-room lighting system. HealWell is
designed specifically to stimulate people's natural responses to
light. It provides light tuned to support our biological clock and
creates a pleasant atmosphere for patients and visitors, thus
supporting the healing environment. The use of energy-efficient LEDs
helps to reduce hospitals' electricity usage.

Smart ultrasound with an eye for detail

Discussions with ultrasound specialists have made it clear there
is a need for an ultrasound system that can be operated intuitively
and with no prior knowledge regardless of how hectic things get in an
emergency. The same discussions also highlighted the potential
usefulness of a platform that could be used in cardiology, radiology,
internal medicine, gynecology and labor wards, and which could
deliver clear results in a matter of seconds to enable fast, reliable
diagnoses.

In response, Philips has developed the new EPIQ 7 platform in
conjunction with ultrasound users to ensure it provides
straightforward yet comprehensive support in every situation. EPIQ 7
features many technical innovations. For example, the new Anatomical
Intelligence technology is the system's "brain", autonomously
evaluating individual data records and converting them into complete
information packages. Meanwhile, the nSIGHT imaging technology
delivers highly detailed images very quickly and visualizes
structures that had previously only be partially visible with
ultrasound.

New nasal mask - tested and approved

For over 25 years, Philips has been developing solutions and
technologies for the care of chronically ill patients at home.
Interaction with users plays a crucial role in this development, and
is the only way home healthcare can be continuously updated to meet
current and future needs. For example, Philips recently launched a
new sleep apnea nasal mask called Wisp under the tagline "Working
together for improved sleep and respiration" (Gemeinsam für besseren
Schlaf und bessere Atmung). Wisp was developed based on a preference
survey among patients. The survey showed that Wisp promotes better
sleep, increases user comfort and creates a better seal than other
leading nasal and minimal-contact masks. And with an open field of
vision, it also allows patients to read, watch television and even
wear spectacles before the go to sleep.

Developed together with specialists and patients, these solutions
aim to deliver more cost-effective care models for the healthcare
sector and help improve treatment and the recovery process for
patients.

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips is a diversified health and well-being company,
focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in
the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting.
Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2012 sales of EUR
24.8 billion and employs approximately 114,000 employees with sales
and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in
cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient
lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male
shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is
located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.

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1. Cases treated in intensive medical care; in 2010: 2,055,087, in
2011: 2,107,852. Source: The information system of the Federal
Government Health Reporting Body ('Das Informationssystem der
Gesundheitsberichterstattung des Bundes'), http://www.gbe-bund.de

2. On average, delirium extends the duration of a patient's stay
in hospital by between five and ten days. Source: "Delirium in the
Acute Care Setting" in: Critical Care Clinics 24; S. 657-722; 2008, h
ttp://psychiatry.stanford.edu/Psychosomatic/Maldonado%2708-Delirium%2
0in%20ICU-CCC.pdf

3. See also "Langzeitfolgen eines postoperativen Delirs"
(Long-term effects of postoperative delirium) in: Anaesthesist 2011;
60 (8): S. 735-739, http://www.springermedizin.de/langzeitfolgen-eine
s-postoperativen-delirs/662918.html

4. http://www.newscenter.philips.com/de_de/standard/news/unternehm
en/20131024_Intensivstation_wie_unter_freiem_Himmel.wpd

5. http://www.newscenter.philips.com/main/standard/news/background
ers/2011/20111018_Philips_Clear_Mind_project.wpd

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ots Originaltext: Philips Healthcare
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
For more information, please contact: Anke Ellingen, Philips
Deutschland GmbH, Corporate Communications, Tel : +49-40-2899-2190,
E-Mail:
anke.ellingen@philips.com. Joost Maltha, Philips Healthcare, Tel :
+31-6-10-55-8116, E-mail: joost.maltha@philips.com