Frequently Asked Questions
What is EASE?
EASE (Electronic Access to Surgical Events) is a HIPAA-compliant software platform for updating and educating families and friends on the progress of a loved one’s surgery. It is an optional service offered by Orlando Health.
For operations lasting more than one to two hours, a circulating nurse is assigned a device and is responsible for keeping the family updated on the progress of the surgery through text, images and video. The use of the app in the operating room is almost unnoticeable, allowing surgeons and clinical team members to focus solely on the patient.
How can I use EASE?
Your loved one’s doctor will let you know if EASE is available in the facility where your family member or friend will be undergoing surgery (eventually EASE will be available in all Orlando Health surgery settings).
Family members can download the app for free from either the Apple or Android store to their mobile device. A simple registration process will generate a unique access code. Prior to surgery, a nurse will scan the QR code to make a secure connection between your phone and the device from which updated will be sent. You also will need to complete a consent form to use EASE.
To use the EASE app at an Orlando Health facility, click here for instructions that include how to access on-site Orlando Health Wi-Fi service.
During surgery, a nurse will send you updates in the form of texts, photos and video — depending on your preference — as certain milestones occur.
What kind of updates can I receive?
You may choose to receive text updates, pictures and videos depending on the type of procedure and your personal preference.
Is the EASE app safe?
Yes. EASE uses 256-bit encryption – the same level of security used in mobile banking transactions – to protect all communications as they are sent and received. EASE also complies with the same healthcare regulations (HIPAA and HITECH) that your hospital uses to keep your protected health information safe.
Is anything saved on my device?
No. All texts, photos and videos disappear after 60 seconds of viewing them. Nothing is saved on your device.
Can other family members or friends receive updates also?
Yes. You can choose to share live updates with family members or friends by selecting them in the Contacts section of the app.
How was Orlando Health involved in the creation of the EASE app?
Kevin de la Roza, MD, and Hamish Munro, MD, anesthesiologists at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, saw a need to provide a better experience to families while waiting during their child’s surgery. They developed the app EASE, which stands for Electronic Access to Surgical Events, and is designed to do exactly what the name implies — ease the minds of those waiting and worrying about a loved one undergoing surgery.
How is the app rated by its users?
The EASE app has very positive ratings by users. Since the app was created in 2014, more than 2,500 Orlando Health patients have kept their loved ones updated during surgery through the EASE app. Following is some feedback from our patients and clinical team:
“Instead of crowding up the waiting room, family members and close friends were able to be a part of my son’s surgery through the app on their phone. For something that could be so nerve-wracking, it ended up being very peaceful. This experience made me fall in love with my son’s surgeon all over again.”–Raines family
“The EASE app was an incredible experience. We were at ease the whole time. We could actually go down to the cafeteria because we knew that the updates were coming. I never thought I would be able to leave the waiting room and now I can. I can’t imagine going through this experience without having that app.”–Larson family
“Some of the procedures can go on 4 or 5 hours and that can be really tough to deal with unless you’re getting decent information all the time. This app has really made a huge difference in the way we communicate during surgery.” –Arnold Palmer Hospital
