When electronic recordkeeping became a federal requirement under the 2009 Electronic Medical Records Mandate, many health facilities pushed hard and fast to digitize and mobilize providers’ workstations. Although technological advances were slow at first, particularly in the area of power supply, today’s options are more cost-efficient and longer-lasting than anything developed before.
Mobile Workstations & Carts with Power Supply
A mobile workstation or computer cart with its own power supply gives healthcare providers more flexibility. A stand-alone power supply such as industrial-grade battery packs eliminates the need for power cords and other methods of retrieving power. Powered mobile workstations allow the provider to move freely about the hospital or healthcare facility in a timely and efficient manner.
Even laptop carts can benefit from onboard power because it keeps the laptop’s battery charged for longer than its nominal autonomy.
When computer carts first made their way into the healthcare scene, batteries required frequent changes, and power cords were often a hazard in the workplace. Today, updated battery pack systems and power supplies allow for a streamlined workday without requiring the provider’s attention to be diverted to non-medical tasks.
Unique Features of Powered Mobile Computer Carts
Today, more than ever, healthcare institutions must increase workflow efficiencies and ensure productivity simultaneously. Mobile powered carts offer unique ways to achieve these goals:
Flexible Mobility
The flexibility of a mobile powered workstation allows healthcare personnel to move anywhere in the medical facility as needed and always have a computer with them. These compact units are easily transported from the patient’s bedside to the operating room.
Hospital computer carts also feature specialized casters with rubber wheels, preventing static buildup and protecting the onboard power and electronics from damage.
Compatibility with Optional Accessories
A healthcare computer cart with portable power can use its onboard batteries to power more than just the computer. For example, the onboard power can be used for additional equipment such as medical barcode printers, screens, laser printers, RFID devices, or magnetic card readers.
Adjustable and Ergonomic
Unlike mobile computing platforms intended for industrial environments or manufacturing facilities, a mobile powered workstation designed for healthcare facilities is lighter and easier to maneuver, making it safer to use.
The typical healthcare computer cart possesses ergonomic features that allow a range of users to comfortably use it, minimizing worker fatigue. No matter your height or stature, these versatile workstations have a setting for you.
For example, a caregiver can adjust the cart’s height, slide the keyboard tray in and out, and use ergonomic handles to push and pull comfortably.
Eliminates Unnecessary Walking
A mobile, battery-powered workstation eliminates costly footsteps spent walking back and forth between a patient and a stationary workstation. This increases productivity, reduces the risk of clerical errors and helps patients feel better cared for, increasing patient recovery and satisfaction rates. It also helps with caregiver health, safety, and job satisfaction.
Hot-Swappable Batteries
The term “hot-swappable” refers to a battery power system that can be removed and replaced from computers or electronic equipment without shutting them down or disconnecting them from the power supply. A hot-swappable battery system offers portable, seamless AC power, as long as the batteries are swapped and managed correctly.
This mobile power feature allows for uninterrupted service from the healthcare provider to the patient. The primary benefit of hot-swappable batteries is increased uptime; they minimize downtime and interruptions, streamlining workflow. Mobile computer carts can be integrated with hot-swappable batteries, making them more efficient.
Flexible Mobile Cart Power Technology
One of Scott-Clark Medical’s innovations is Flexible Mobile Cart Power Technology (FMCPT). This power system was developed to address the concerns with older batteries in earlier generation powered mobile computer carts.
For example, a mobile platform using an older battery system typically needed to be fully disconnected and shut down to replace the battery or place it on charge.
Scott-Clark Medical’s innovative battery systems employ Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry, resulting in lightweight, long-lasting batteries with up to 8-12+ hours of rechargeable power (depending on power usage and connected peripherals), more than enough to last a full shift without shutting down.
FMCPT allows for the hot-swap of drained batteries with fully charged ones. Most of our workstations come equipped with two battery ports so that the workstation can remain on and in use while the other batteries are charging.
Customizable Carts
At Scott-Clark Medical, we are proud to offer custom battery-powered workstation carts to match the exacting specifications set out by your institution. We offer a wide range of features, such as laser printers, vital sign devices, or barcode scanners.
Scott-Clark Medical Has the Medical Cart Solutions You Need
Thanks to federal legislation, healthcare providers and computer technologies have combined to streamline medical facility workflows. As the industry continues to expand and evolve, so does the need for reliable power supplies and high-quality mobile workstation carts.
Scott-Clark offers an unrivaled lineup of mobile powered workstation options and rechargeable power systems. Contact us today for a customized quote for your facility’s needs.