More Than Fun and Games: Transforming Pediatric Care with Technology at Dell Children’s Medical Center

When kids come to Dell Children’s for a hospital stay—whether for a few days or several months—they must pause their everyday routines like biking with friends, having dinner with family, or playing video games. These familiar activities become out of reach, even if only temporarily. They also need to adapt to new ways of socializing, interacting with others, and expressing how they feel, both physically and emotionally.

Andrew Wei, Dell Children’s Patient Technology Coordinator, believes in meeting kids where they are. “Children have their own way of seeing the world, and play is their language,” he says. With his passion for technology and empathy for the kids he works with, Andrew leads Dell Children’s in using gaming and technology as a critical part of healing. “Here, play isn’t just fun—it’s essential.”

A New Role Transforms In-Patient Entertainment

Andrew joined Dell Children’s in 2021, stepping into a new role made possible by a grant from the Child’s Play Charity, a role that put our hospital at the forefront of therapeutic gaming in hospitals. With his background in gaming and technology, he was perfectly suited to lead these efforts. 

Partnering with tech companies, charities, and organizations, Andrew ensures the equipment is functional and Game Pass subscriptions are always up to date. His dedication has made him an invaluable part of Dell Children’s, constantly enhancing patient experiences. One of his biggest projects was installing 160 Xbox Series S systems in every inpatient room, thanks to a partnership with Dell Technologies and Microsoft. This initiative has transformed hospital entertainment, giving kids access to gaming whenever they need a break.

From Xbox consoles in every inpatient room to PlayStations, Nintendo Switches, GOKarts, Virtual Reality, and adaptive gaming equipment for kids with special needs, Dell Children’s offers a variety of technology to make hospital stays both therapeutic and, when possible, fun. Andrew Wei is the driving force behind this initiative, ensuring the tech runs smoothly and remains accessible.

Gaming as Therapy: More Than Just Play

While gaming is fun, it also provides deeper therapeutic benefits. “For many kids, video games are part of their everyday lives,” Andrew says. “For hospitalized children, these games provide a sense of normalcy.”

This is especially important for children undergoing long-term treatments like chemotherapy or awaiting organ transplants. Beyond entertainment, video games and virtual reality (VR) offer therapeutic benefits. Andrew has seen how VR can reduce anxiety and discomfort during procedures. It’s now used in pain management and physical/occupational therapy, particularly during treatments like IV placements. “We’ve had patients who felt transported to another world, away from the reality of being in the hospital,” Andrew explains.

For children with chronic conditions, gaming provides a necessary escape from their illness. One young neuro patient, who regularly undergoes painful EMG studies, now requests VR for his follow-up appointments because it has made such a positive impact on his experience. Gaming also helps patients maintain friendships and build new social connections during isolating hospital stays. This was especially important during COVID-19 when isolation was at an all-time high.

Gaming’s Future at Dell Children’s

Andrew is continuously expanding Dell Children’s technology offerings. His latest project is a hospital-based maker space featuring 3D printers, laser cutters, and a 3D scanner. These tools will create personalized medical models for patients, offer low-cost educational medical equipment, and customize toys and craft kits—enhancing the overall patient experience.

Thanks to Andrew’s work, Dell Children’s is redefining patient-centered care in the modern world, proving that in a hospital, play isn’t just a distraction—it’s a vital part of recovery.