IT staff formatting hundreds of devices for use by patients, volunteers

The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy has donated dozens of iPads to local hospitals, helping quarantined patients connect with their loved ones and with the outside world while battling COVID-19 in isolation.

In addition, IT staff members from around the university have volunteered to set up hundreds of Fire tablets Amazon has donated to the state. These also will be transferred to hospitals and medical facilities around the area.

“The intention is to provide all hospitals across the state with the tablets, and then also provide hospice centers and nursing homes,” said Ian Lester, manager of Technology Services for the College, who is heading up URI’s involvement in the project. “The goal is to help connect patients suffering with the disease with their family and loved ones.”

The initiative began when the Rhode Island Medical Society put out a call for extra devices on behalf of Covid Connectors, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to helping COVID-19 patients communicate while in isolation. Lester located 35 iPads not currently being used by College personnel. He formatted the iPads, set up Apple IDs, uploaded necessary software like Zoom, and delivered them to Lifespan.

Amazon also stepped up after RI Commerce put out the call for devices. The online retailer is donating 540 of its Fire tablets for use at Rhode Island hospitals. Lester has stepped in again, organizing IT staff members from around the university to assist in getting the tablets ready for use. Lester is picking up the tablets as they are delivered and bringing them to tech staff for formatting, in addition to preparing dozens of them himself.

“Our intent is that when we hand one over, it is all ready to turn on and use,” Lester said. “We don’t want it to be difficult or stressful for the patients and volunteers who are already in stressful situations. We want them ready to go.”

Lester has also arranged for on-going support, recruiting URI’s IT Service Desk to field help calls and service the tablets.

“Everyone who can help is helping,” Lester said, noting the URI Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program also donated nine tablets it had available. “All credit goes to the RI Medical Society for starting this. It isn’t a URI initiative, but it is an initiative being supported by URI.”