Vanderbilt Celebrates 10 Years of Seacrest Studios: Impact on Patients and Families

Seacrest Studios, in partnership with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, was established to provide pediatric hospitals with a creative space for patients to explore media and technology. The 723-square-foot studio at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has become a central hub for entertainment and therapeutic activities.

The studio’s offerings include opportunities for patients to host shows, play games, and interview special guests. For example, Ivan Asher, a nonverbal and nonmobile patient with Dandy-Walker syndrome and cerebral palsy, uses EyeGaze technology to communicate and create art. His mother, Cheyenne Asher, notes that the studio has transformed Ivan’s demeanor and overall hospital experience.

The studio also provides a space for siblings to connect and find solace. Camdyn Cole, whose brother was awaiting a heart transplant, recalls the studio as a safe and fun distraction during a challenging time.

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is also addressing the impact of excessive screen time on students' attention spans, mirroring a broader societal concern. Students are increasingly scrolling through social media in the short gaps between classes, leading to a decline in their ability to focus and be present without digital stimulation. Researchers have found that attention spans have shrunk considerably over the past few decades, and a recent U.K. survey indicated that about half of adults feel their focus is deteriorating.

To combat this trend, students are encouraged to take small steps such as leaving their phones in their backpacks during short walks, listening to music instead of scrolling, and simply allowing themselves to be bored. These actions are seen as small rebellions against the algorithm-driven need to fill every empty moment with content.

What is Seacrest Studios?

Seacrest Studios is a media broadcast center designed to help hospitalized children endure their stay through creative engagement with radio, television, and new media.

How does EyeGaze technology benefit patients?

EyeGaze technology allows nonverbal and nonmobile patients to communicate, ask questions, and create art using eye-driven communication devices.

What impact has Seacrest Studios had on families?

The studio provides a fun, creative, and inclusive environment for patients and their families, offering a break from the realities of illness and fostering positive memories.

What do you think about the impact of creative programs like Seacrest Studios on patient well-being? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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