Long days merging into late nights, never-ending hours spent on foot or hunched over patients, hard conversations, and fast-paced decisions; no one ever said being a healthcare worker is easy.
We are talking about one of the most stressful and high-stakes workplace environments out there - comfort, focus, and precision aren’t just a nice-to-have, but an absolute necessity.
Far too often, misplaced and/or non-ergonomic equipment increases the chance of errors in data collection and prevents healthcare professionals from providing the highest standard of care to their patients.
All medical settings must be shaped around the clinicians and patients that inhabit them, not the other way around.
Many of us know the pressures that the entire healthcare system is facing, particularly since COVID-19 began to sweep the world two years ago. Before the pandemic, 4.43 million people were already waiting for NHS treatment - this figure rose to 6.1 million in February 2022 and shows no signs of stopping.
All hospitals are still dealing with the havoc caused by this ongoing virus whilst struggling to keep up with the growing numbers of patients needing care. What’s more, they also face an increased appetite to please service users and leave a positive impression.
Technology and equipment can be of incredible benefit in healthcare settings or an overwhelming hindrance. Unfortunately, the latter seems to be the case for many healthcare workers. Their efforts to treat patients more efficiently and thoroughly whilst also looking after themselves are thwarted by inflexible machinery, out of touch with the modern world.
Medical carts and height adjustable wall workstations, for instance, are an integral part of both the clinician's role and the patient’s experience, but they are commonly not fit for purpose.
Imagine this: you are speaking to a patient, and all you have to note down your thoughts is paper and a clipboard. You want to assess the patient’s medical history, but you have to flip through multiple pages to find the information you’re looking for. When you want to document confidential data on the system post-evaluation, you have to take a long walk to your fixed desk down the hall. How can Technology solve these comfort, practicality and security needs?
Hospitals have begun recognising that if they stand any chance of meeting the ongoing rise of patients in need whilst delivering the high standard of care expected of them, they must seek the help of technology.
Thankfully, Ingram Micro offers innovative solutions from Ergotron that are turning the tables for healthcare workers and patients everywhere.
Ergotron specialises in shaping workspaces with humans in mind. Their range of digital-led, ergonomic medical carts and wall workstations are helping hospitals around the world to keep pace with the changing landscape of healthcare whilst simultaneously improving the patient experience.
The StyleView® Laptop Cart with LCD Pivot, for instance, is a portable, spacious and user-friendly medical cart with a clear screen and ample space for a laptop. Similarly, the SV Dual Monitor Kit sports two large screens that multiple clinicians can use as they work and interact with patients.
The considered design of these carts addresses all the fundamental issues of their fixed counterparts: wheeled bases make them easy to move from room to room. Plus, the screens and laptop stands mean clinicians can access, share and record patient data from the bedside during an examination.
Many hospitals in the United Kingdom have started to adopt more flexible and electronic processes and ways of working, especially in response to growing patient demand. One such hospital is South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SETRUST) in Belfast.
Over a decade ago, SETRUST invested in mobile medical carts to help run their patient administration. This system was all well and good, but as the hospital grew and faced an increased volume of patients, they needed to digitise their processes.
After implementing an electronic patient record system, SETRUST realised they needed flexible workstations to bring this technology into more care areas. That’s where Ergotron came in.
SETRUST purchased a fleet of laptop carts and carts with screens, placing them across the emergency department, theatres, medical and surgical wards, higher dependency and intensive care units.
By integrating Ergotron’s forward-thinking equipment into their workplace, SETRUST noticed a tangible improvement in their processes and ability to care for patients:
“The dual screens facilitate quick and easy access to all the relevant clinical information I need on a ward round,” said Chief Clinical Information Officer David Wilson about the SV Dual Monitor Kit accessory on the carts.
“The mobile workstations are reliable and have excellent battery life, allowing me to focus on the patient rather than the technology.”
SETRUST teaching facilities praised the cart for its ability to show several clinicians information simultaneously, saving time and ensuring clarity of communication.
So, what can we do to help? If you are a reseller looking to ease your clients’ frustrations, please reach out to the Ingram Micro team to discuss how to add more value and profit to your next healthcare opportunity. Contact us via phone on 0371 973 3000 or through our website: uk.ingrammicro.eu/contact