SOURCING & LOGISITICS
Conduit connecting clinical,
real-time tracking, transmitting reaches prime time by Rick Dana Barlow
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ealthcare professionals may view carts and workstations as a neces- sary tool to do their jobs, but they
also serve as a conduit that links clinical service (patient care) to fi nancial informa- tion (patient billing) and to operational procedures (patient supply). In short, they represent a multifaceted
command center housed in a compact package that helps to circulate patients through the care process. They include carts and workstations that
house information technology, carts and workstations used to pack instruments for sterilization and carts and workstations stocked full of products for medical and surgical procedures. Improving patient care workflow
through effective and effi cient use of cart and workstation technology can be a tall but attainable order.
Making them work Clinicians in Surgical Services and on the Nursing fl oors, sterile processing profes- sionals and supply chain professionals want to make more effective and effi cient use of their cart and workstation capabil- ities, components and space to improve workfl ow and the patient care because it affects outcomes all around. That’s why, by and large, they need to concentrate on their product decision-making before any cart or workstation joins their fl eet. Bottom line: Plan ahead. “When considering the purchase of carts for medical or other purposes, it’s
important to assess how they will be uti- lized in advance to make an informed deci- sion,” recommended Jonathan Sabo, vice president, Marketing & Customer Support, Cardinal/Detecto. “For example, some carts offer slide-out shelves on both sides of the cart, along with ample top counter space, providing increased work surface area for positioning laptops, vital signs monitors and other equipment in confi ned spaces. These carts may also come with push han- dles on multiple sides, giving customers the fl exibility to choose handles that fi t their workfl ow.
“Customization options are available for
some carts, allowing customers to select drawer width, handrails, drawer height confi gurations, lock types, [radiofrequency identifi cation] options and even unlimited color choices, resulting in a cart that is tai- lored to their specifi c requirements,” Sabo continued. “This approach avoids the need for customers to conform to standard fea- tures and allows for a cart that is manufac- tured based on the user’s preferences. There may be a wide range of standard models and numerous confi gurations available, depending on the manufacturer.” Advanced planning also invites fl exibility,
according to Sabo. “In emergency situations, such as in an ER when time is critical, searching for keys or typing in PIN codes to unlock drawers may not be practical,” he indicated. “Some carts may offer unique features, such as a Quick Release plunger with breakaway plastic tags and red/green fl ag, which allows for instant unlocking of
8 June 2023 • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS •
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all drawers with a single press of a button, providing immediate access to life-saving drugs and equipment. The lock can be easily reset after the cart is cleaned and restocked, ensuring readiness for future use.” Clinicians need to be
mindful about their equip- ment selections, particu- larly around modularity, suggests Tim Ramcoobeer, sales development repre- sentative, H+H System Inc. “Now, more than ever, it is imperative that clinicians
fi nancial, operational workfl ow Carts & Workstations: Flexibility, modularity and
Tim Ramcoobeer
be meticulous about the equipment they choose to support their team’s workfl ow,” he noted. “With all the available options, making that decision isn’t easy but one that will save time, space and lives. I believe there needs to be a shift toward modular carts and workstations. When it comes to a pharmacy that carries out multiple daily tasks – say anesthesia tray swap and med- ication distribution – it makes far more sense to have a single mobile unit that can achieve both.”
Sound decisions may require a new, more
realistic mindset, according to Dave Mikulak, director, Sales, Point of Care, TouchPoint Medical. “When technology can become part of the conver- sation and not a piece of equipment that gets in the
Dave Mikulak
way of patient care, that’s when clinicians start to make the best, most effective and
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