In the healthcare industry, it is well known that rules and regulations are ever-changing. In 2009, congress approved mandates which required healthcare institutions to adopt a practice of electronic medical record-keeping.
This initiated a massive technological revolution in the healthcare field around the country. Adaptability was key, and healthcare institutions made massive investments in order to achieve compliance with the mandates.
How are Mobile Workstations Used in Healthcare?
Over the last decade, mobile computer carts and workstations have been rapidly replacing the traditional, stationary workstations. The two biggest reasons for the utilization of mobile workstations are patient documentation and patient medical record access.
Mobile medical computer carts are known for their ability to streamline the workflow processes of healthcare providers while maintaining compliance with mandates for electronic health record-keeping. In addition, they promote more time for patient engagement, reduce the spread of bacterial infection, and provide optimal utilization of hospital infrastructure.
Mobile Workstations Optimize Workflow and Productivity
During a nurses shift, they will perform frequent checkups with patients. This consists of several different trips throughout the hospital or institution. By utilizing a mobile workstation, they can perform electronic record keeping and update patient documentation on the spot, without having to make several trips to and from their stationary workplace.
In addition, doctors can access up-to-date test results, progress notes, and patient data and history without having to make the same back and forth actions. This, in turn, allows for active patient engagement, enhanced patient care, and discussion of treatment. A streamlined workflow for doctors and nurses benefits the healthcare system as a whole.
Workstations on Wheels Better Facilitate Patient Documentation
When nurses and doctors spent large portions of their work shifts traveling to and from patient rooms and stationary workstations, this presented complications in record keeping. When utilizing a workstation on wheels, patient interactions and discussions occur in real-time, allowing for active documentation and note-taking. This reduces the risk of clerical errors which can lead to potentially costly and devastating outcomes.
Mobile Workstations Synergize with IT Products that Prevent Infections
Healthcare facilities by default prioritize infection prevention through means of rigorous sanitation routines and protocols to prevent the exchange of bacteria between providers and patients. Mobile workstations have proven to be an excellent complementary tool in sanitation and the spread of bacteria by utilizing hardware with an antimicrobial coating.
Stationary workstations were more likely to promote the spread of bacteria and infection mainly due to the fact that they may be utilized by several different people throughout the day. Additionally, when providers can move their workstations around with them, they can effectively ensure proper sanitation throughout their shift.
Mobile Workstations are Necessary for Optimally Leveraging Hospital IT Infrastructure
Because of the mandates on effective electronic medical record-keeping, it is crucial that hospitals and healthcare institutions adopt technologies that promote the ability access records on the go.
Bedside access to patient information and records allows for doctors and nurses to effectively treat and diagnose in record time. Mobile workstations are necessary for delivering quality care and for simultaneously achieving compliance with electronic medical record-keeping.
Computers on Wheels Reduce Errors and Improve Patient Safety
Another factor of computers on wheels that not only improves and streamlines the workflow but also makes them cost-effective is their capacity to reduce errors and improve patient safety. In a healthcare setting, this can be detrimental to the well-being and survival of the institution.
Nurses can effectively input patient data and information at the point of care as opposed to traveling from bedside to the nurse’s station. This allows for attention to detail and focus and reduces the risk of a clerical error.
In addition, healthcare computers on wheels may reduce the instance of medication dispensing errors, which therefore improves patient safety. Some carts even come equipped with medication dispensing systems.
These carts have integrated medication doors and a barcode scanner. The barcode scanner works to scan the patient’s wristband and respectively unlocks only the proper medication drawer.
In Conclusion
At Scott-Clark Medical, we recognize the needs of healthcare institutions to provide equipment to their staff that not only streamlines workflow but effectively achieves compliance with federal record-keeping mandates. If you are in the market for new or different mobile workstations for your hospital or clinic, feel free to contact us today and we will be happy to assist you with the process.