Medical equipment carts can improve a healthcare facility’s workflow, improving efficiency and benefitting patient care. However, you need to invest in the right mobile workstation for your medical teams’ needs.
Some vital considerations can help maximize the benefits of using customizable mobile laptop carts in your hospital.
Have a Clear Purpose
The first step is to define the precise tasks you need your mobile computer cart to perform. If it is a general-purpose unit, you’ll want to include plenty of storage baskets and drawers to hold medical devices and disposable personal protective equipment (PPE).
Nurses can use vital signs monitoring devices to check a patient’s condition and use wristband scanners to ensure they treat the right person.
A medical team on a cardiac ward requires access to specific medications for patients with heart problems. In this scenario, you can purchase biometric locking drawers that only open when authorized personnel with a correctly encoded keycard are in attendance.
Consider the Power System
A mobile cart is only useful when it is available for staff to use during their shift. Many units require charging at a wall-socket, effectively making them redundant. At Scott-Clark Medical, we use our revolutionary Flexible Mobile Cart Power Technology (FMCPT) and hot-swap battery system to provide the user with all the power they need.
The LIFEPO4 batteries charge on the unit, removing the need to take the unit off the ward when the battery runs low. The intelligent battery control system (BCS) monitors where the cart requires energy and directs power to those devices. These systems enable a battery to provide between 6-10 hours of power on a single charge.
When the battery dips below the 20 minutes of remaining power mark, there is a flashing yellow alert light that gives the user plenty of time to insert a fresh battery. The exchange can take place in approximately 30 seconds, enabling physicians and nurses to carry on with their duties.
While many batteries might only last between 8-15 months before you need to purchase a replacement, our long-life units come with a 5-year warranty. You can use them for 3000+ cycles, making them a more convenient and cost-effective alternative.
Laptop Table Size
One of the most significant benefits of using a mobile equipment cart is the ability to use a laptop computer throughout a shift. Physicians make important decisions every day for diagnosis and treatment, and when they are at the point of care, they can quickly access a patient’s electronic file.
You can purchase a unit with a spacious workspace, allowing the medic to work comfortably on the tabletop. If you invest in a cart with enough space, you can also add a printer. This addition enables physicians to print off information that a patient may find useful for remembering what their medical professional said at a stressful time.
Medical Equipment Cart Organization
There can be an enormous amount of medical supplies and equipment on a mobile cart. Staff need enough separate compartments to keep their unit well-organized to allow them to respond in the quickest time.
Each piece of equipment should be in a labeled drawer or basket, with medics replacing items they use during their shift. It’s useful for a care facility to add an inventory list to each cart and have trained staff members perform regular checks to ensure physicians and nurses are stocking the cart when required.
Cart Construction Materials
Mobile equipment carts need to be robust, but they also shouldn’t be too heavy. Hospital wards are busy environments, and maneuverability is an essential asset in a mobile workstation.
At Scott-Clark Medical, we use lightweight aluminum and durable plastics to create custom medical carts that can stand the test of time. Our units allow staff to easily push and turn the workstation around a facility while still being heavy enough to ensure they don’t fall over during transportation.
Contact Us For a Quote
Whether you run a hospital or a long-term care facility, medical equipment carts are an excellent investment. Choosing the most suitable mobile workstation for your departments can ensure your medical staff has the equipment they need to provide the highest patient care standards.
For a consultation and a free quote, contact our sales team at (512) 756-7300.