CarePages is a web service that has provided a way for family and friends to connect, stay informed, and provide support when a loved one is in the hospital. It all started when Eric and Sharon Langshur’s newborn son, Mathew, was hospitalized with a heart condition. They wanted to keep their circle of family and friends informed. So they created a website with updates on Mathew’s condition, photos, and a message board for well wishers.

In less time than it would take to make a five-minute phone call to that first concerned loved one, setting up the page is done.

Although they didn’t know it at the time, this was the first CarePage. The experience affected them so profoundly that they quit their day jobs and went on a mission to provide this very service to others. 50,000 CarePages and one million visitors later, one would have to conclude that they’re on to something.

According to Charlyn Slade, RNC, MSN, President of CarePages, “Hospitals find that not only does the service provide an emotional boost to patients and their families, but the hospital benefits as well.

“Since CarePages is accessed through and branded with the hospital’s own Web site, it provides an additional point of contact between the patient and the hospital. It also offers the entire hospital community a place to add links to provide visibility for other hospital services like community education programs.”

Secure, private and free

In order to offer CarePages to its patients, a hospital licenses the service for a fee based on the facility’s size. CarePages provides ongoing technical and marketing support, and bandwidth for the pages. There’s little ongoing staff time involved except to provide a brochure or briefly tell patients about the service. Best of all, the service is totally free to patients and their families.

One thing that makes this service unique is that every visitor to a page must register to gain access. They can only register if the manager (the patient themselves or a family member) invites them. The manager can screen visitors and see who has been on the page and how often.

 “Privacy is very important. Some of the other services like this are closer to blogs in that anyone can view the page but may need to register only if they want to post a message,” Slade explains.

Regarding privacy and HIPAA guidelines, a CarePage can make things a bit easier for staff who often field phone calls regarding questions about a patient’s condition. The CarePage can eliminate many of these calls and save valuable staff time in the process.

Creating a page in minutes

Setting up a web page sounds complicated and the last thing someone wants to do when they’re dealing with illness. But the process is one that requires no technical competence at all. The set-up is done by simply answering a series of fill in the blank or multiple-choice questions.

In less time than it would take to make a five-minute phone call to that first concerned loved one, it’s done. After that one can invite visitors, add photos, post updates on the patient’s condition, or see who has posted something on the message board.

Every time the manager updates the page, everyone on the mailing list is automatically notified via e-mail. This way family and friends know that they’ll be kept in the loop, and they don’t have to wonder if they’ve missed any important news.

Paying it forward

WebPages also offers a unique feature called CareCompliment. A simple form on the site gives anyone visiting a patient’s page an opportunity to offer recognition to a disserving hospital staff member. According to Slade, “It’s so easy for patients and family to follow through because it is right there for them. And staffs love it because the hospital gets these messages in real time.”

Another section, Profiles in Courage, allows new patients to see pages that others have previously done. Those pages are made available by patients who have gone through treatment and want to give something back by helping others see the possibilities.

The bottom line is that CarePages can provide genuine emotional support. A study with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta concluded just that and will be presented at the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions Meeting this October in Boston. 300 Children’s staff members participated in the study and 77% indicated that CarePages positively affects the well being of patients and their families. 

To learn more, go to www.carepages.com.