The "Ambient Experience" pediatric radiology suite

Your Child is in Control
From the moment young patients and their families check-in through departure, pediatric patients make examination environment choices that utilize unique Philips Ambient Experience leading-edge design elements, advanced diagnostic imaging technology, sophisticated lighting and consumer-friendly electronics.

In the reception area of Lutheran General Children's Hospital, young patients select cartoons and animation themes that are later projected on the wall and ceiling of the examination room, accompanied by corresponding music and sounds. Specialized lighting brings a wash of color into the experience. All effects are triggered by the patient simply passing a radiofrequency identification (RFID) card over a reader in the suite.

While in the waiting room, the child has the opportunity to interact with the "Philips Kitten Scan," a miniature CT scanner that is an educational resource for children. Children select a toy, place it on a miniature exam table and slide it into the Kitten Scan to learn why the toy is 'sick.' Animation appears on a screen that shows children what doctors are looking for inside the toys and tells them a story about each one. The kid-sized scanner was designed by Philips to provide children with an opportunity to use a scanner themselves and learn how it works to help ease their minds about their own exam.

Once a patient has selected a personalized animation theme, the Ambient Experience begins. Upon entering the Ambient Experience CT suite, the child waves the radiofrequency card over a reader, which instantly activates special lighting, sound effects and animated images on the wall and ceiling using Philips technology. With the use of a tablet PC, a technologist or physician will
initiate another interactive phase of the Ambient Experience.

Animation in the suite will demonstrate to young patients how they should remain still and hold their breath during the CT scan. The child will be able to practice holding still with the animation before the actual scan takes place. Once the scan is complete, the child is able to take the three-dimensional RFID scanning card home as a souvenir of their Ambient Experience.

The compassionate doctors and nurses at Lutheran General Children's Hospital fully understand that the hospital environment can sometimes feel impersonal and may not put patients at ease. The Ambient Experience creates a friendly and reassuring environment tailored to each patient's individual needs.