STRATEGIC SOURCING & LOGISTICS sponsored by CARTS
For Salus, it’s metal. “Polymer has come a long way and today is as strong as or in some case
stronger than steel,” he insisted. “It also brings other advanced features that contribute to an overall improved design that can cater to healthcare needs. For starters, it can be mixed with an antimicrobial that makes the entire plastic antimicrobial, through and through. Unlike painted surfaces with antimicrobial, plastic-infused antimicrobial cannot wash off or scratch off, so it keeps the surfaces cleaner between cleanings for the life of the product.”
Plastics also can take the edge off sharp corners, Salus emphasizes. “Plastics can be molded to deliver softer corners, which are easier to clean, i.e., inside of drawers, and safer to the touch, i.e., exterior corners, like the cart body and drawers,” he noted. “Metal starts as a flat sheet and is bent into shape, which the bending process inherently creates the sharp corners at the end of the bend and especially where two bends meet to form a corner. Plastics are also softer to the touch, unlike the less friendly feel of cold hard metal. Finally, polymers deliver a higher aesthetic, and you can trust that modern look to remain for the life of the cart, as there is no paint to chip, scratch or peel, and no rust to appear over time.” Carlson also recognizes the infection prevention benefits of proper molding. “With the heightened focus on cleanability and infection control, eliminating unnecessary surface breaks and gaps, and other areas on carts that pose difficulty in the cleaning process, creating unnecessary additional work for caregivers whose time and energy should be focused on providing the highest levels of patient care,” he said. “Always look for carts with smooth uninterpreted surface with easy-to-clean geometry and removable drawer inserts.”
Ramcoobeer concurs that infection prevention considerations for carts
must be top of mind today. “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals find
themselves faced with much more stringent cleaning protocols,” he noted. “Along with increased cleaning, we are also seeing an increase in the dete- rioration of carts made from inferior, porous materials and plastics. There definitely needs to be a transition away from these materials to a more durable option such that structural and functional integrity is maintained even with the use of harsh chemicals.” Grabowski expresses concern for clutter. “One feature that detracts from the aesthetics of a cart is the overuse
of external accessories,” he said. “A cart by itself has a clean look with supplies neatly organized within the drawers. Cart manufacturers strive to streamline workflow for clinicians but sometimes over-cater to their needs. Multiple external accessories are added to the sides of the cart, so clinicians have quick access to items without opening a drawer. Like most things, moderation is important. It optimizes workflow to mount one or two accessories and stock them with frequently used supplies, but com- monly too many external accessories are used and then overfilled. The accessories extend the footprint of a cart, make it appear unorganized, hard to maneuver and difficult to clean. Reducing external accessories and getting supplies back in the drawers helps with the supply organization, the look of the product and perception of the quality of patient care.” Meanwhile, Loper yearns to kill casters in favor of something else. “No matter the brand, casters over time will not function as intended,” he said. “Think hover board. If we can remove the casters but still have the mobility of the cart, this will eliminate a lot of frustration for hospital personnel.” HPN
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