Technology is advancing really fast in the Healthcare field. So fast in fact, that sometimes the virtual world takes over the real world. Adaptability is an important factor to consider when installing technology in Healthcare facilities. We may tend to forget that technology has to be used by human beings. As an example, let’s take Katie, the chief nurse in the ICU. She’s a small woman with her 5 feet 2 inches. Last year she injured her neck. Now she struggles finishing her shifts without pain. She‘s a very dedicated nurse and she would like to be able to offer the best care to patients whose lives depend on her. She‘s the eyes and the arms of the medical team ultimately saving lives on an everyday basis. We could help her a lot by improving her workspace not only for her but also for her colleagues. It cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution. We must think that many members of the medical team will be using the same workplaces. I had the opportunity to visit an ICU unit in a small town’s hospital. Although everyone was so passionate about giving their absolute best to the patients, you could see the discomfort in their eyes after an eventful weekend.
Telemetry tools allow them to facilitate continuous surveillance of numerous critically ill patients all at once. The monitor panel is the main focus in the ICU unit and must be adapted to different uses. The most relevant information must be readily available 24-7, and easy to access in emergency situations in which the response of the health worker is critical in life and death situations.
One of the key elements in designing control centers for healthcare cannot only rely on the elements connected to the patient and on technology to save lives. It should encompass all health professionals using them and provide them with the best tools and height-adjustable tables with ergonomics applications.
Often, 24-7 telemetry have to be followed closely by a single nurse who also single-handedly manages multiple patients. These mission-critical control center are heavy duty workstations meant to provide comfort throughout the 10-12 hours shifts with maximum adaptability for the women’s 5th Percentile (4’10’’ Height) all the way to the men’s 95th percentile (6’3’’ Height).
Feel free to reach us if you need any help designing emergency, telemetry or any ergonomic station that will improve your day to day work.
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