Over the last decade, there has been a revolution in both the medical and technological industries. Medical recordkeeping technology has modernized in recent decades, and the healthcare industry has capitalized on these changes.
One of the driving factors behind these advances is the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009, which requires all private and public healthcare institutions to implement and maintain electronic recordkeeping.
This act incentivized numerous healthcare facilities to modernize their equipment.
Other factors include the rapidly rising costs of healthcare, which in turn demand a streamlined workflow for and by healthcare providers.
Mobile computer carts for healthcare environments have been pivotal in providing a more efficient workflow and achieving compliance with federal mandates. They have replaced stationary workstations and non-powered carts, making them a critical part of a modern healthcare facility.
Essential Benefits of Mobile Medical Computer Carts
In the past, the workstation of the average healthcare provider was a shared stationary or wall-mounted computer. Stationary workstations forced doctors, nurses, and caregivers to make several daily trips between the patient and computer rooms.
Today, more than ever, the success of a healthcare institution relies on a more streamlined workflow and efficient electronic records database. Mobile workstations provide access to the facility’s networks, software, and any patient’s medical records virtually anywhere.
Medical Carts on Wheels are Safe in Healthcare Settings
Modern medical workstations on wheels feature parts and materials designed to combat the spread of microbes and infectious agents and respect the CDC’s infection control recommendations and guidelines.
A well-designed medical cart on wheels employs high-strength, high-durability materials prioritizing ease of use and clinical safety. For example, instead of using the same aluminum alloy frames as those used by generic office computer carts, medical carts employ a stainless steel frame, combining high durability with ease of cleaning and disinfecting.
Elements intended to be touched and manipulated by personnel, such as medical tablets, grips, handles, and other similar parts, feature ABS plastic construction.
Their design features a smooth ample work surface, rounded edges, and as few corners and crevices as possible, limiting the growth of bacteria and improving patient safety.
In addition to these safety materials, medication carts and mobile workstations are often equipped with anti-microbial coatings. This reduces the risk of bacterial spread even further during patient interactions.
Quality Medical Workstations are Ergonomic and Easy to Use
Quality equipment should be adaptable to the user, not force them to adapt. One of the essential benefits of a well-designed cart is the presence of a height-adjustable work surface.
Effortless height adjustment systems allow healthcare workers of any size, stature, and age to change the height of their screens and keyboards, allowing them to enter data and use the equipment without straining themselves.
These critical medical cart features help keep workers from injuries and long-term medical issues caused by awkward postures, allowing them to focus on their work.
Medical Workstations on Wheels Streamline Workflows
A workstation on wheels allows personnel to transport it with them wherever necessary. This flexibility helps nurses and doctors improve their workflow efficiency.
Many essential tasks (updating patient records, dispensing medication, diagnosing, using healthcare software, etc.) that once required trips to a static computer room can be done at any moment, from any location in the hospital.
Additionally, workstations on wheels allow caregivers to access internal hospital and clinic networks, such as testing and lab results. This enables them to easily communicate with other facility sections, producing quicker diagnosis and treatment times.
Workstations on Wheels Improve Patient Care Quality
Although the introduction of workstations on wheels is most well-known for improving healthcare personnel workflows, it has also provided patients with tangible benefits.
Not only did these frequent trips to stationary computers keep caregivers away from patients, but they also increased the likelihood of entering the wrong information or making medication dispensing errors.
Mobile workstations have helped eliminate these issues. With workstations on wheels, clinical staff can access medical records and input patient data directly from the bedside or point of care.
A BMC Health Services Research study has found that increasing patient-nurse time improves overall patient outcomes, nurse job satisfaction, and patient satisfaction with their care. The workstation on wheels is one of the primary contributors to this effect.
Contact Scott-Clark Medical for Your Workstation on Wheels
At Scott-Clark Medical, we understand the demands of the modern-day healthcare institution and provider. We offer a wide range of solutions for healthcare environments, including mobile computing carts, power supplies, and accessories for all your workstation needs.