Hill-Rom Introduces The VisiVest™ System, the World's First Connected Airway Clearance System

CHICAGO, June 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HRC), a leading global medical technology company, today announced the introduction of the VisiVest System, a connected therapeutic solution for patients in need of airway clearance therapy. The world's first solution combining industry-leading high-frequency chest-wall oscillation (HFCWO) technology with wireless connectivity powered by Qualcomm Life, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, the VisiVest System provides therapy adherence data that may help inform decisions caregivers make for their patients, resulting in reduced risk of respiratory infections, hospitalizations, and medical costs.

Patients' usage data from the VisiVest System is remotely and securely transmitted to the VisiView™ Health Portal via Qualcomm Life's 2net™ Hub enabling highly secure, medical-grade connectivity and effortless user experience. The VisiView Health Portal, developed by Razorfish, a leading application development company, then displays data trends in an easy-to-use dashboard format. This connectivity fosters a closer partnership between patients and health care teams, so treatment decisions by caregivers can be more tailored and responsive, which may result in better therapy adherence. 

"In healthcare, the ability to make decisions based on accurate, timely information is essential," said Alton Shader, president, Front Line Care at Hill-Rom. "The VisiVest System and Qualcomm Life's 2net connectivity solution bring care teams and patients closer, helping to better manage patients' illness and improve their quality of life."

"We are thrilled to be working with a global industry leader in health care technology and excited by the impact our collaboration with Hill-Rom can have for chronic lung disease patients and their caregivers," said Rick Valencia, president, Qualcomm Life, Inc. "By combining Hill-Rom's leadership in health care with Qualcomm Life's expertise in connectivity, we are innovating to deliver effortless connected experiences that empower patients and their care providers."

In a pilot study conducted over the past few months, 160 patients from seven cystic fibrosis clinics have adopted The VisiVest System. Patients and care teams have responded with great enthusiasm and excitement for the technology. 

"What I like most about the VisiVest System is being able to see my patients' session data and trends," said Tom Newton, pulmonary therapist, Miller Children's Hospital, Long Beach, CA. "Now I'm not just telling my patients the more adherent they are to their therapy, the higher their pulmonary function numbers are likely to be. We can actually look at their adherence score together and have a more comprehensive conversation about their numbers."

Connected health solutions will continue to strengthen Hill-Rom's leadership role in the respiratory care industry.

The VisiVest™ System
Hill-Rom's VisiVest garment provides airway clearance by inflating and deflating rapidly, applying gentle pressure to the chest wall. This works to loosen and dislodge mucus from the bronchial walls and move it to larger airways where it can be cleared by coughing or suctioning. If not removed, retained secretions may contribute to increased rates of respiratory infection, hospitalization and reduced lung function.

The VisiView™ Health Portal
The VisiView Health Portal is Hill-Rom's first digital health product designed to enhance communication between health care teams and patients. The VisiView Portal is a secure, cloud-based system that automatically receives information from respiratory care devices in a patient's home. Patients and health care teams share a user-friendly dashboard to view therapy data and trends for enhanced teamwork.

About Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.
Hill-Rom is a leading global medical technology company with approximately 10,000 employees worldwide. Hill-Rom partners with health care providers in more than 100 countries by focusing on patient- care solutions that improve clinical and economic outcomes in five core areas: Advancing Mobility, Wound Care and Prevention, Clinical Workflow, Surgical Safety and Efficiency, and Respiratory Health. Around the world, Hill-Rom's people, products, and programs work towards one mission: Enhancing outcomes for patients and their caregivers.

2net is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. 2net is a product of Qualcomm Life, Inc.

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SOURCE Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.