Looking for a new workstation or point of care cart? Purchasing managers have a lot of options at their disposal and specialization in medicine adds an extra level of complication. Read on to find out about nine things to look for in a hospital workstation to make a more informed decision.
- The Right Technology
Make sure the workstation is equipped to handle all the healthcare facility’s technological equipment and needs. Modern Telemedicine Carts are perfect for facilities that treat patients remotely since they feature specialized equipment. Some come with built-in LCDs, while others make it easier for clinicians to use laptops or mobile devices, so consider the facility’s current uses of technology.
- Powered vs. Non-Powered Workstations
Powered workstations are more expensive, but they come with everything required to input and access data on-the-go. They’re perfect for clinicians that need to move carts from room to room without worrying about finding wall plugs to recharge mid-shift.
- Good Fit to Workflow
Find a cart that will fit the facility’s workflow and specialty. Medical-surgical nurses and clinicians usually prefer powered carts with plenty of drawers for holding medications and supplies, while phlebotomists often require more accessories specific to their fields. Buying a mix of mobile workstations is the best way to ensure optimal workflow.
- The Right Features
Features commonly found in mobile workstations include locked or unlocked drawers, bins, keyboard trays, monitor supports, and large work surfaces. Some carts can also be customized to include baskets, shelves, barcode holders, and more.
- Battery Power Supply
Battery-powered mobile workstations come in two forms. They can either recharge through a wall-mounted power outlet or they can feature swappable batteries. Look for a battery-powered cart that features lithium-ion batteries to reduce charging time.
- Secure Software
Some modern mobile workstations come with built-in dashboards and dedicated software. Choose a station with software tailored to clinicians’ needs and their workstations’ intended uses to optimize battery life, ensure ease of use, maximize data security, and improve patient outcomes.
- Good Ergonomics
Working in the healthcare industry can take its toll on employees, so it’s important to minimize work-related injuries by purchasing workstations with good ergonomics. Workstations should be easy for employees to adjust based on their height and other factors and should feature monitors and keyboards that tilt, swivel, and height-adjust. This helps to prevent occupational injuries resulting from poor posture.
- The Right Materials
There are a few factors that influence how well a material will perform in a healthcare environment. Good workstations are built from lightweight materials like aluminum that are easy to move around but sturdy enough to sustain years of use. The materials used in the cart should also be easy to clean and sterilize.
- Vendor Support
Finally, make sure the vendor provides adequate customer support. Even the best-designed workstation won’t do clinicians any good if there’s nobody available to help when something goes wrong.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right workstations for a hospital requires careful consideration. Purchasing managers should consider the facility’s primary goals and clinicians’ needs when purchasing new carts to ensure that they will be a good fit. Safe, hygienic, easy to move, specialized mobile workstations can dramatically improve clinicians’ abilities to care for patients in an efficient way, so it’s worth investing in high-quality carts that will function exactly as intended and last for years.
