SOURCING & LOGISITICS
basic supplies while keeping controlled substances safely locked away. Alarms can also be set up to alert staff about drawers left open, using audible alerts, as well as e-mail and text notifications to pre-assigned admin personnel.”
For H+H’s Ramcoobeer, the issue boils down to two words: Space constraints. “It seems to be a daily conversation with clinical staff that space is a major limiting factor in the speed and accuracy at which they can deliver patient care,” he noted. “Unfortunately, space, or the lack thereof, isn’t a quick, cheap, or easy fix. To make the most of the space that is available, we always hear the need for workstations that are both modular and scalable.” DSI’s Loper acknowledges durability remains an ongoing concern because mobile carts can take a beating. “Whether it’s crashing into walls, being rolled over a bumpy floor, drawers being slammed, exposure to cleaning chemicals, outdoor elements, humidity, etc., any and all carts in a hospital need to be able to take a beating,” he said. “In comes quality of design, quality or materials used, and quality of care for the rolling assets.
“Carts are tools, and they need to be designed for the applica- tion with the right materials, with the right casters, with the right locking device and with the right accessories,” Loper continued. “Not all manufacturers have this area of expertise pinned down. If a crash cart goes wrong, what’s the worst-case scenario? If a workstation in the SPD tips over, what’s the worst-case scenario? If an anesthesia cart is compromised and can’t be open, what’s the worst-case scenario? What’s the after-sale service look like after a cart is sold? Who is the rep and are they accountable? These are just some of the questions that should be considered during the evaluation process of determining which manufacturer to partner with on this large and important investment.”
Design tips Cart and workstation makers consistently search for relevant and useful design tips from customers to improve ergonomics and workflow, which aren’t always so overt.
Cardinal/Detecto’s Sabo turns to recent events and issues as instigators. “In light of recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), the importance of hygienic cleaning in medical facilities has become more critical than ever,” he said. “Modern medical carts are designed with the busy clinical user in mind, prioritizing hygienic features that are easy to clean and disinfect. These carts feature wipe-down surfaces made of materials such
DUAL TIER WORKSTATIONS SKU 771662
SINGLE TIER WORKSTATIONS SKU 772792
STANDING DESKS SKU 772629
POC CARTS SKU 771900
TABLET CARTS SKU 772942
as ABS with smooth-molded contours that are easy to clean, ensur- ing effective disinfection. Additionally, features such as steering locks for the wheels and parking lots are beneficial for nurses maneuvering their carts in busy medical environments. Some carts offer push handles on one side, while others provide the option of guide handles on multiple sides or other variations, catering to different user preferences. “Soft close drawers are a convenient feature for nurses, allowing them to close drawers easily with a gentle bump using their hips when their hands are often occupied with other tasks,” Sabo con- tinued. “Keeping up with the demand for wireless connectivity, some carts come with built-in Wi-Fi, enabling cart updates for user access and other functions to be managed through a centralized point. The onboard user interface of these carts is designed to be user-friendly, with full-color touchscreens, beautiful graphics, and easy navigation, similar to popular consumer devices like Apple products. These features enhance the overall usability and convenience of the carts in healthcare settings, prioritizing hygiene, ease of use, and efficiency.” TouchPoint’s Mikulak concentrates on physical harm and injury prevention as key. “Overuse injuries are extremely common in the healthcare environment,” he indicated. “User-specific height adjustability of the worksurface is a standard expectation with expansion into electronic lifts to decrease lift injuries. Mobility and maneuverability relating to handles, handle locations and caster selection [must] ensure the workstations can be configured to opti- mize the transport ergonomics. Keyboard location and tilt options for user adjustment [must] decrease the risk of carpel tunnel and other overuse injuries. Visual interfaces like the touchscreen need to be placed and oriented for quick easy visualization, and computer monitors require adjustability to include positioning for caregivers with glasses or multifocal lenses. Positioning and expansion of the workstations require significant ergonomic thought to ensure that walking, reaching and bending can be minimized by providing a central system to assist in repetitive daily operations.” DSI’s Loper also impresses the importance of eliminating poten- tial injury. “Adjustable height workstations are mission critical for a prep and pack tech workstation in a Sterile Processing department,” he said. “Everyone is a different height, so to optimize employee productivity, ergonomics come into play. It’s not a one-size-fits- all scenario for workstations where healthcare workers sit most of the day cleaning, sorting and organizing sterile instruments. Having the ability to adjust the height of the workstation should be mandatory.”
WALL-MOUNTED TRACK SYSTEM SKU 772261
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H+H’s Ramcoobeer focuses on the limited options available for medication and inventory labeling as particularly irksome. “All too often teams are forced to tape labels onto bins and medication trays,” he said. “These fashioned labels then deteriorate or fall off, leaving clinicians with no way of quickly identifying what they need, sometimes in life-or-death circumstances.” HPN
Read sidebar: “Cart, workstation product updates abound for con- venience, ergonomics” online at
https://hpnonline.com/53059860
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