Modern hospitals are incredibly specialized environments. As a result, they require equally specialized equipment, including medical carts. The carts nurses use to keep track of patient data and status differ significantly from those used in emergency rooms, pediatric units, or medical isolation units.
In these specialized environments, procedure carts are more appropriate. Read on to find out about the five most important types of procedure carts used in hospitals.
1. Medication Workstations
Medication workstations are the most common type of Medical Procedure Carts. They feature extra drawers and cabinet space with secure locks to prevent the theft of patient medications. Modern medication carts also feature computer peripherals that allow nurses and other providers to view and change patient data, inventory lists, and other information from the same workstation.
2. Pediatric Crash Carts
Pediatric crash carts are designed for units that cater to infants and children. They feature plenty of secure drawers and cabinets along with IV poles and defibrillators. Healthcare providers use them to respond to critical, life-threatening emergencies in pediatric units. They feature large work areas and a wide selection of accessories and organizational tools. Pediatric crash carts are available in compact or standard sizes.
3. Anesthesia Carts
Anesthesia carts are designed with the specific needs of anesthesiologists in mind. They aren’t just found in hospitals. Anesthesia carts also allow anesthesiologists to provide advanced care in:
Skilled nursing facilities
Outpatient surgical clinics
Dentists’ offices
And other locations that require anesthesia
Most anesthesia carts include multiple peripherals, such as IV poles, slide-out surfaces, and chart holders. They can also have keyless access drawers with auto-close and relock options. Anesthesiologists require easy access to their equipment and supplies.
4. Medical Isolation Carts
Caring for patients with highly contagious diseases poses certain risks to doctors, nurses, and support staff. Placing these patients in medical isolation units minimizes the risk of transmission to healthcare providers, but the strategy requires specialized equipment. Medical isolation carts are designed to reduce the risk of contamination. They’re made from microbe-resistant polymers or stainless steel and feature specialized coatings that repel pathogens.
Some hospitals combine the use of medical isolation carts for face-to-face care with telemedicine carts that allow doctors to conduct remote evaluations. In extreme cases, this can be a good solution for ensuring that patients receive the care they need without placing doctors and other healthcare providers in unnecessarily risky situations.
5. Phlebotomy Carts
Phlebotomists specialize in blood collection. In clinical settings, they collect blood in patients’ rooms and send it off for laboratory analysis to diagnose underlying illnesses, determine whether a new medication regimen is effective, or ensure a patient is receiving adequate nutrition. Taking blood requires specialized equipment, so phlebotomy carts are outfitted with extra drawers, cabinets, and peripheral accessories.
A good phlebotomy cart will allow phlebotomists to keep charts, glove boxes, and approved medical waste containers on hand. Some also feature transparent bins. This helps phlebotomists find the equipment they need more quickly, reducing the amount of time they must spend with each patient.
Finding the Right Cart Is Essential
Most hospitals and specialized healthcare facilities require multiple procedure carts. The best way to reduce overhead while ensuring excellent patient care is to buy specialized mobile carts. High-quality, customized carts, and mobile workstations increase productivity and reduce stress, helping to ensure providers can focus on what’s important: patient care.
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