Hospital stays can often feel like stepping into an unfamiliar world, filled with uncertainty about treatment plans and daily care routines. Even when clinical care is top-notch, the overall experience can feel impersonal and outdated—far from the comfort and convenience we enjoy in industries like hospitality. But what if hospitals could offer the same level of personalization and control that we’ve come to expect elsewhere?
Enter connected care: a transformative approach that’s reshaping the patient experience by blending cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design.
The connected room: where care meets convenience
Technology has already made real-time, constant connection a reality in healthcare. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly two-thirds of individuals were offered access to online medical records or patient portals in 2024. More importantly, the number of people accessing their own records has doubled in the past decade, as has the number of caregivers accessing records on behalf of others.
But it’s not just about access—it’s about empowerment. Research shows that access to clinical notes boosts patient satisfaction and trust in healthcare providers, among other benefits. Now, connected care is going one step further: facilities are integrating bedside tablets into their hospital rooms, transforming how patients interact with their care.
With just a few taps, patients can:
- Stay informed: view up-to-date medical information like lab results and care team updates
- Personalize their stay: modify care schedule preferences and order meals tailored to their dietary needs and preferences
- Communicate effortlessly: ask non-urgent questions or request assistance without relying on call buttons
- Customize their environment: adjust room temperature, lighting and entertainment options to their liking
These tablets aren’t just about convenience—they’re about bridging the gap between clinical excellence and patient experience. And by giving patients more control, they also free up hospital staff to focus on what matters most: providing exceptional care.
The power of integration
Connected care isn’t just about tablets—it’s about creating a seamless ecosystem where disparate systems work together harmoniously. This means integrating electronic health records (EHRs), food service management, room controls, and communication platforms into one secure, user-friendly network.
For clinicians, these digital tools future-proof their physical environment—supporting workflows, maintaining clinical performance and providing a direct line of communication from anywhere to their patients.
Hospitals that have adopted this approach are already realizing the benefits.
Mount Sinai implemented a “Patient Itinerary” app that provides detailed, personalized care schedules and answers common questions, enabling nurses to focus on direct care.
Houston Methodist West Hospital integrated technology into their hospital rooms to streamline clinical workflows and improve communication between patients and care teams. By connecting with EHRs like Epic, they’ve enhanced patient satisfaction during hospital stays.
When implemented correctly, these all-in-one systems don’t just improve patient experiences—they also reduce administrative burden and give clinicians more time to focus on direct care.
Bringing hospitality into the hospital room
Imagine a hospital room that feels less like a sterile, intimidating space and more like a responsive, personalized environment—one that mirrors the accessibility of a hotel while maintaining the safety of a healthcare setting. That’s the vision of connected care.
By offering intuitive devices that integrate with hospital systems, hospitals can redefine what it means to stay in a hospital. Patients gain control over their environment, while clinicians gain deeper insights into their needs. It’s a win-win—fostering trust, satisfaction, and better outcomes.
As digital health continues to evolve, hospitals that embrace this convergence of care and connection will lead the way in creating experiences that are not only effective but also deeply human.
By putting patients at the center of their care and leveraging technology to enhance every aspect of the hospital experience, we’re reimagining what it means to heal. The result? A revolutionary hospital stay that’s not just about treatment, but about comfort, control and connection.
Experience the future of patient care with Samsung’s intuitive, connected technology. Contact an account executive today to learn more about how our solutions transform the patient experience.
