WASHINGTON – Kaiser Permanente this week has opened a new Center for Total Health near Capitol Hill. Kaiser executives said they hope the center will be a place or bringing together history, innovation, and state-of-the-art technology. It should also provide a place for innovators, leaders, influencers, thinkers and believers in wellness to talk about health.
Kaiser would like the center to help demonstrate what Kaiser Permanente and others are doing to advance health and care delivery in the United States.
"A major part of Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to total health is sharing best practices and facilitating discussions that will improve the health of our nation," said Bernard Tyson, president and COO of Kaiser Permanente. "We are excited to open the Center for Total Health, where we will create opportunities to explore new ways to advance health through innovation and technology."
The center features interactive displays, including:
- A short documentary introducing visitors to Kaiser Permanente history;
- Interactive touch-screen walls allowing visitors to explore the concept of total health;
- One of the world’s largest multi-touch video walls – an 80-foot-long mural – teaching visitors about the health benefits of walking;
- Technology demo stations highlighting some of the latest advances in telemedicine, mobile health applications, medication adherence, and delivering care through smartphone technology, tablet computers and home electronics.
The Center for Total Health also is an educational event and conference center, with flexible spaces that feature a mock exam room to simulate a physician visit. Additionally, the facility is equipped with technology to facilitate virtual conferences.
"The idea for the Center for Total Health was born as a compelling way to share what Kaiser Permanente continues to learn about the kinds of health improvements we can make in this country," said Philip Fasano, Kaiser Permanente's chief information officer.
"The center will be the first place that leaders and the general public can go to see the real-world convergence of health, health care technology, and innovation," he said. "It is a place where industry and business leaders can fully embrace a vision for total health, see it in action, and be able to engage other leaders in how to potentially shape health care over the years to come."
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