When you come to the hospital, it's often because you're sick.
"Hospitals are one of the germiest places you can be 'cause we get all of the germs," said Barbara Bird, who works in the stroke unit at Kent Hospital.
That's where the Patient Pod was tested.
It was developed by former Rhode Island news anchor Pat Mastors after the death of her father back in 2006 from a hospital-acquired infection.
Its purpose? To reduce germs in and around the patient's bed.
"There were 300 bacteria on (a remote control) in tests that were done versus double digits for the toilet flush handles, the door knob, the bed rest and the bed table," Mastors said.
So she came up with the remote control cover.
"You just slip (the remote) in here and then it has flaps that you can tear. Peel them off and you fold them down on either side. Now this is pretty much like a new remote control like nobody else has touched it," Mastors said.
Hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and hand hygiene are important in warding off germs.
But it's only part of what makes the Patient Pod a safe bet.
Instead of putting all of your belongings, such as hearing aids or glasses, on a table where it can be pushed away and potentially lost, Mastors said the Patient Pod solves the problem because it clips on to anything.
It also has a spot for your favorite picture, and your preferred name to help your caregiver give better care for you.
"Are you Ms. Morse Silva or are you Barbara? And so the caregiver can start by calling you your preferred name and say, 'Oh Barbara, what a beautiful dog or what a gorgeous family you have,'" Mastors said.
Also included with the pod is a pad of paper and a pen.
Mastor's friend, Katie Smith, helped inspire some of the Patient Pod's design. Mastors said Smith was in intensive care for three months when her first child was born.
"I think the thing I love most about it is that it gives you the tools to be a proactive partner with your medical staff to help keep infection down, and just the communication," Smith said.
Patients at Kent Hospital thought the Patient Pod was helpful and found it was easy to have their belongings closed to their reach.
Kent Hospital said it will soon be providing Patient Pods to some of its patients and it will be available for sale in its gift store.
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