UCLA Medical Center is California's first university hospital to broadcast Healthtv - an innovative patient-education television network. Available 24 hours a day via patients' bedside televisions, top-quality programs provide basic information designed to help patients and their families in cardiac, general medicine and oncology units. A program guide provides segments titles and times.

"Healthtv supports UCLA's commitment to patient education and satisfaction with a format and presentation that's engaging and easy to understand," said Laurie Reyen, co-chair of UCLA Medical Center's Patient Education Committee. "From the first day, we've had a fantastic response from viewers and healthcare staff."

"We are delighted to be able to bring the Healthtv programming to our patients and families at UCLA Medical Center. It helps meet education requirements, and makes the job of the healthcare professional easier and more rewarding," said Rose Healy, co-chair of the hospital's Patient Education Committee. "Healthtv is an excellent education resource for staff, patients and family members."

A recent Healthtv survey of four hospitals showed 76 percent of the patients aware of Healthtv watched it for 30 to 60 minutes per day. Also, Healthtv was found to be a "highly desirable" way for patients to learn about medical topics, ranked second to speaking with a healthcare provider.

UCLA is also part of Healthtv's Pain Management Initiative - in partnership with 12 hospitals - to develop a new Healthtv segment that will help hospitals meet patient education standards for the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospital Organizations.

Currently Healthtv is seen in 26 hospitals in 12 states and 45 Canadian hospitals.