Healthcare institutions across the country are embracing mobile medical computer carts. The benefits they bring are changing the way healthcare is provided, and there could be more to come. While the mobility of the carts are certainly a key feature, there are many more components that add to their value. Let’s explore the features and benefits of several vital aspects.
Organize the Workspace
The stand out feature may be a brightly light LED screen on the computer workstation, but a key component is the drawers. While the cart doesn’t take up much space, it can still carry plenty of equipment.
Supplies can be transported safely around the healthcare environment in drawers that have automatic locking systems. Proximity card scanning technology ensures that only authorized staff can open the drawers.
The removal of supplies such as medication can be tracked by a barcode scanning system, ensuring a transparent chain of responsibility throughout the process.
Less sensitive equipment such as bandages, band-aids, pens, and other stationery can be transported in clearly marked drawers. This reduces the risk of spillage during transport and looks professional to onlookers.
Staff can see exactly where they can locate their supplies, eliminating lost time looking for simple articles.
Enhanced Battery Life
At Scott-Clark Medical, we use the new Flexible Mobile Cart Battery Technology (FMCBT). Using our system, batteries can be charged at the wall but crucially also on the cart. Should a battery be dying, it can simply be swapped out for a fresh battery. There is no interruption to patient care.
While this is breakthrough technology, healthcare professionals don’t need to call IT to change the battery for them, it’s simple enough to do themselves.
The 6-8 hours battery life and simple battery change system ensures clinicians and nurses can spend time with their patients. They no longer need to run to the wall to plug in the cart and do without while it recharges.
To further assist the user, the SOCI II indicator ensures they are kept informed about the current charge in the battery. The brightly lit screen lets them know exactly what level the charge is at, and allows them to plan for a change when required.
While many companies embrace remote monitoring, this doesn’t help the person using the cart. This is real-time information shown to those who need it.
Adjustable Height
The height adjusting mechanism is simple and allows healthcare professionals to adapt it to their needs. Should they be sitting with a patient to engage, they can lower the LED screen. Both physician and patient can now talk at the same level.
The facility allows the patient to be shown their results and scans, which can inform them about their condition. With both parties being at the same height and sharing the same screen, the patient can ask questions and become more involved in their treatment. The screen can be used to bring up information and graphics, which can simplify complex medical information.
While the adjustable element benefits the patient, it’s also good for the user. Rather than bending over a desk or leaning on a bed to make notes, the healthcare professional can simply raise the height and tap the screen. There are benefits for posture and less risk of strained necks or backs.
Infection Control
While every surface in a healthcare setting is a potential source of infection, infection control experts view mobile medical carts as low risk.
Shared keyboards, computer screens, drawers and other surfaces on the unit have to be cleaned according to a strict infection control policy. While this applies to many areas of a sterile environment, mobile carts can be equipped easily with all they need.
Disinfectant, hand wipes and disposable gloves can all be kept in neatly organized drawers. Best practice would be to thoroughly clean and disinfect each surface of the cart after seeing each patient.
Keyboard and screen protectors can be added as well as mouse covers. A shared common area is always busy, and infection control is difficult, increasing the risk of transferring germs to staff and patients. By following a rigorous infection control policy, a mobile medical cart can be a very safe piece of equipment on the hospital or clinic floor.
Conclusion
There are many benefits for using point of care mobile medical carts in the healthcare environment. The elements we’ve explored may not be as apparent as others, but they are crucial and contribute significantly to the medical setting.