The healthcare industry is constantly evolving and providers and institutions must adapt to meet not only the needs of patients but to satisfy the demands of federal regulations. In the last decade or so, there has been somewhat of a revolution in the way the healthcare system operates and provides services.
Computer and information technologies have certainly been at the forefront of this revolution, and it is safe to say that both have played a major role in the continued success of healthcare institutions around the country.
What are Mobile Computer Workstations?
Mobile computer workstations efficiently replace traditional stationary workplaces that were so commonplace in healthcare facilities for the longest time. They allow the healthcare professional to bring their workstation with them throughout their shift and access hospital infrastructure and patient records right at the bedside with patients.
Mobile workstations have become a standard in healthcare thanks to the electronic healthcare records mandate of 2009. This motivated the leadership of the institutions to adopt a way to digitize patient health records and, at the same time, streamline the hospital staff workflows.
The Role of Mobile Workstations in Healthcare
Nurses and doctors utilize mobile workstations in a number of ways. Nurses spend a good portion of their work shift documenting their interactions with patients, inputting data into patient records, and any other task that might be required of them by accessing the facility’s internal network.
Doctors use mobile workstations to document information as well, as well as order prescriptions and access lab or test results quickly and easily from other internal departments. Mobile workstations have overall streamlined workflows by eliminating much of the back and forth necessary when stationary workstations were the standard.
Mobile workstations allow doctors and nurses to get more done during their shifts in a more efficient way. Because of the upgrades to overall provisions and healthcare record-keeping, the hospital staff and healthcare providers have been greatly supported in their day-to-day responsibilities, resulting in a greater output of productivity.
Mobile Computer Workstations Facilitate Better Patient Documentation
The legislation that passed in 2009 recognized the inefficiencies involved with patient documentation and record-keeping. In the days of handwritten prescriptions and hardcopies of patients’ records and files, clerical errors were far too commonplace.
Mobile workstations eliminate much of the risk for error simply by allowing the nurse or doctor to input data in real-time, bedside with patient. Going back and forth between patient room to workstation proved inefficient for many reasons, and losing track of important patient data was just one of them.
Recordkeeping errors can be dangerous and costly – sometimes life-threatening. The compliance with federal mandates for electronic patient records is for the benefit of everyone involved, patient, provider, and institution.
Mobile Workstations are Complementary with Infection Prevention Technologies
Infection prevention is a high priority for any healthcare facility. With the Coronavirus being the latest global health threat, it is important for healthcare providers and facilities to be mindful of proper sanitation at all costs.
Fortunately, most mobile workstations come equipped with medical-grade antimicrobial coatings, which greatly helps in reducing the risk of infectious disease spread by sharing germs at a workstation.
In the past, stationary workstations were shared by multiple people throughout the day, and it was difficult to keep track of routine sanitation. Today, a mobile workstation is only shared by one or two staff, and they can quickly and easily sanitize their work surface throughout the day as needed.
Computer Carts Promote Patient Engagement
Another unique benefit of mobile computer workstations is how they greatly promote interaction between the healthcare provider and patient. When the patient is able to be involved with the recordkeeping process, this not only eliminates chances of error, but the patient feels more active in their own recovery and health.
When doctors are able to make time to discuss treatment protocol with their patients, they are more likely to adhere to the guidelines. In addition, mobile workstations allow for more time for doctors to address patient questions and concerns. All in all, improved patient engagement produces better healthcare results.
Mobile Workstations are More Ergonomic
Similar to a standing desk, mobile workstations provide ergonomic benefits where stationary workplaces were lacking. Many mobile workstations are height adjustable so that modifications can be made as needed. The ability to move your computer and mobile standing workstation around with you throughout the day eliminates the need to be sitting constantly. This provides a health benefit to nurses and doctors.
Final Thoughts
While federal mandates paved the way for the revolution in healthcare provisions, it has surely been the ever-evolving field of computer technology that has helped to make that happen. As a pioneer in the industry, we look forward to helping you with all of your needs when it comes to providing your healthcare facility with efficient and user-friendly mobile computer workstations.