"It's had an incredible impact in just a very short time."

Dr. Scott Boden, vice president for business innovation for Emory Healthcare, is talking about The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation's donation of 120 new Microsoft Surface tablets to their hospitals.

"You know, we're facing unprecedented times. Typically, when somebody is gravely ill is when their family and friends and loved ones are at their side. It makes not only the patient feel better but it's also an important part of the process for the family," said Dr. Boden.

Dr. Boden says this use of technology has been a phenomenal way to at restore some of that connectivity during very difficult times.

The tablets are also being used in a variety of other ways at the hospitals.

"It's also being used to connect people with their clergy that they're familiar with, that can't come in as a visitor," said Dr. Boden.

The tablets were distributed this week with the first one was put to use when Atlanta Falcon quarterback Matt Ryan talked to a patient and a nurse.

"It was a surprise to the staff and everyone else who was else that was around the conference," said Dr. Boden.