Difference between revisions of "Wall Mounted Computers"
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| − | One solution to placing computers in the patient’s room is via wall mounted computers. Other solutions, discussed separately, include | + | One solution to placing computers in the patient’s room is via wall mounted computers. Other solutions, discussed separately, include [[Tablet_Computers|tablet computers]] and [[Mobile_Computers|computers on wheels]]. |
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 22:22, 15 September 2011
Most hospitals were built prior to the advent of electronic health records. As healthcare professionals spend a significant portion of their time performing computerized tasks [1], placing a computer in the patient’s room may increase the amount of time that healthcare providers spend with their patients. Since most hospitals weren’t originally designed to include computers at the point of care, finding the appropriate space to place the computers can be quite challenging.
Contents
Introduction
Computer wall mounts in hospitals are usually performed in one of two ways: articulating arms, or cabinets.
Articulating arms
Articulating arms typically have a place to mount the monitor, keyboard, and CPU, and depending on the configuration, may have the ability to independently adjust the height and angle of the monitor and keyboard. Articulating arms are less expensive than cabinets, but provide less security for the electronic equipment. Articulating arms may take up less space than cabinets and may allow users more flexibility in where the computer may be placed while in use. A sample image of an articulating arm intended for hospital use is included here: Sample Articulating Arm [2]
Cabinets
Cabinets are a more elegant solution to providing computers at the patient's bedside, but can be significantly more expensive. Cabinets may be designed to include storage for additional items such as bedside barcode scanners, basic supplies, or even medications. Depending on the configuration of the patient room, cabinets may force a user to have his back to the patient while using the computer. A sample image of a wall mounted cabinet intended for hospital use is included here: Sample Cabinet [2]
Vendors
There are many vendors which sell computer wall mounts in a wide variety of configurations. If an institution is looking to install wall mounted computers, demonstrating several options in actual patient rooms prior to widespread implementation will help improve stakeholder buy in, and provide the opportunity for feedback regarding how it will change the workflow of the end users.
Additional stuff
One solution to placing computers in the patient’s room is via wall mounted computers. Other solutions, discussed separately, include tablet computers and computers on wheels.
References
1. Hendrich, Ann, Marilyn Chow, Boguslaw Skierczynski, and Zhenqiang Lu. "A 36-Hospital Time and Motion Study: How Do Medical-Surgical Nurses Spend Their Time?." The Permanente Journal 12.3 (2008): 25-33.
2. http://www.hospitalwallmount.com/
Submitted by Timothy Hill
