With the ever-changing mandates and regulations in the field of healthcare and medicine, the adaptability of providers is key. Today more than ever, the success of a healthcare institution depends on a streamlined workflow combined with functional record-keeping.
Fortunately, with the advancements in the medical and technological field, this has become not only possible but easily accessible. As a result, the global carts and workstations market has expanded greatly over the last decade and will continue to do so.
Medical Cart Workstations for Hospitals and Clinics
Medical cart workstations, or mobile computer carts, have played an important role in the medical and technological revolution over the last decade. Not only do they provide ease-of-access for healthcare providers, but they also allow for compliance with federal healthcare mandates.
In 2009, a law was passed requiring all private and public healthcare institutions to implement electronic record-keeping by January 1, 2014. This law initiated major advancements in the medical and information technology fields, demanding that old systems and workflows be updated.
In the past, medical workstations were stationary and records were kept in file rooms among thousands, of paper files. With healthcare institutions across the globe investing in mobile computer workstations, today we see all-in-one accessibility of records management and streamlined workflows.
Mobile Computing Technology for Nurses
Mobile computing technology plays a bigger role in the healthcare industry today than ever before. Between mobile workstations and computers, mobile healthcare applications designed for physicians and nurses, and the increased capacity for communication across great distances, the technological revolution goes hand-in-hand with the medical revolution.
Mobile applications have the capacity to be used by physicians and nurses in lieu of equipment. This provides quicker access to patient data and records, which then allows the information to easily be shared with other providers. Remote monitoring and collection of patient data allow for record-time response to emergencies or abnormalities.
Benefits of Workstations on Wheels in Healthcare
Workstations on wheels are mobile computer stations that can easily be moved throughout the hospital and between patients. They can even be used by a nursing home LTC physician as the doctor visits their patients or in a nursing home LTC physician’s office so they aren’t limited to hospitals and clinics. The implementation of workstations on wheels in healthcare institutions around the country and globe has resulted in positive outcomes.
First and foremost, the workflow of healthcare providers has been streamlined, eliminating the need to go back and forth from patient room to stationary workplace. Secondly, it reduces the risk of errors in patient documentation and record-keeping. Third, it minimizes the spread of bacteria and germs, reducing the number of people accessing the workstation throughout the day.
Another benefit of the workstation on wheels is the amount of patient-provider engagement that occurs. This is an important step in providing effective healthcare that was often overlooked when providers were more pressed for time, walking back and forth throughout their shifts.
How are Mobile Workstations Used in Healthcare?
Mobile workstations allow for a streamlined way for healthcare providers to diagnose and treat patients. They provide a sort of all-in-one access to patient records, hospital infrastructures and networks, and medication prescribing and dispensing. Mobile workstations allow for the nurse or doctor to literally bring their computer with them wherever they need to go. Ninety-five percent of patient records are now electronically kept, due the federal mandates of 2014.
Mobile workstations allow nurses to access these records on the spot while with a patient, which consists of 25-50% of their daily workflow. Doctors can readily access the records now as well, which assists with streamlines diagnosis and treatment.
Workstations Optimize Workflow and Productivity
A typical patient interaction for care providers used to consist of making contact with the patient, then returning to a stationary workstation to make notes, document changes, order medications, etc.
This could happen several times throughout the day. Mobile workstations eliminate the provider’s need to go back and forth. They allow for instant access to patient information, which saves time and reduces the risk of error.
In addition to increased workflow and productivity, mobile workstations may increase patient safety. By eliminating the need for healthcare providers to go back and forth between patient rooms and workstations, the ordering and dispensing of medication is streamlined as well, reducing dispensing errors.
Workstations on Wheels Better Facilitate Patient Documentation
If a nurse or doctor is able to have a face to face conversation with a patient and simultaneously record any documentation that is needed, it greatly reduces the number of clerical errors made to patient records. Mobile workstations on wheels facilitate this while also allowing for the person recording information to proofread their entries on the spot.
Medical Carts and Workstations on Wheels: A Worldwide Market
It is obvious why the global medical carts market is expanding. Between rising healthcare costs around the world and increased need for streamlined workflow, healthcare institutions worldwide are turning to the ever-evolving technology industry more than ever. The global forecast to 2023 is that the market for medical carts and workstations is set to go beyond $600 million USD.
Final Thoughts
Scott-Clark Medical are pioneers in the mobile workstation industry. Our biggest contribution to the revolution of medical care and the implementation of accessible technology is the elimination of issues regarding power supply to mobile workstations. Contact us today for all of your mobile workstation needs.