Push for perfection: carts, storage units stack up on security, safety, flexibility

Healthcare Purchasing News, August, 2005 by Julie E. Williamson

Few other industries can fully appreciate the vast and varied storage requirements of healthcare. Not only are hospitals struggling to make the most use of space from a revenue-generating perspective, they are also faced with the ongoing challenge of storing a gaggle of medical goods throughout the facility--and doing so in a way that doesn't hinder inventory efforts or place unnecessary burden on already time-strapped staffers.

Given those needs, it's understandable why facilities are placing a greater emphasis on acquiring carts and storage units that can maximize valuable square footage, simplify the storage process and enhance productivity by giving items their proper place and making them easily accessible.

"Everyone wants more efficient use of space, without having to build or add on to the facility," said Phyllis St. Michael, healthcare market manager for Spacesaver Corp., Fort Atkinson, WI. "There's a growing demand for storage customized for specific departmental needs, in both clinical and non-clinical areas."

Manufacturers of medical carts and storage units are meeting those demands by offering products with improved flexibility, durability, security and safety. What's more, their products promise not to break the bank--or the backs of those who use them.

On-the-go ergonomics

Ask most veteran healthcare workers about the primary differences between today's mobile storage carts and their predecessors and they'll likely cite more lightweight designs, smaller footprints and far easier maneuverability.

"It's about reducing loads and making the most of efficiency," said Dave Salus, marketing manager, Healthcare Division, InterMetro Industries Corp., Wilkes-Barre, PA. "Ergonomics have become increasingly important, particularly with the nursing shortage and the expenses associated with work-related injuries. Hospitals want their employees to stay healthy."

Unlike heavy, bulky models of the past that took up valuable floor space and also took a tremendous toll on the users who moved them, many of today's slimmed down models are ergonomically engineered with durable, yet lightweight aluminum or polymer, improved swivel casters and pull-out features that comfortably expand workspace, while maintaining a small footprint. InterMetro's MetroBasix Plus carts incorporate a strong steel shell with aluminum drawers, a tough polymer base and an ergonomic work surface. Armstrong Medical Industries offers a series of all aluminum carts, and Waterloo Healthcare's new Elite Aluminum Cart is 40% lighter than traditional steel carts and incorporates 5-inch Tente casters and an adjustable push handle for maximum maneuverability.

Enhanced height adjustment capabilities are also moving to the forefront. Artromick International's Initi Mobile Computing MedServer features a motorized height adjustment that positions the monitor and keyboard at a comfortable level. A pneumatic cylinder on Compu-Caddy's X2 Series carts makes height adjustment possible with the touch of a foot pedal, while new 6-inch robber tread wheels make for easier maneuverability. The Style View Cart, a new computer workstation from Ergotron Inc., uses Constant Force life technology that converts a conventional spring's linear force curve into a constant flat force through the entire range of lifting motion. The technology allows workers--sitting or standing--to adjust the workstation 20 inches straight up and down with a fluid, one-touch vertical movement.

Even scope storage units are getting an ergonomic facelift. InnerSpace Corp.'s Easy Reach Scope Manager uses a specially designed counterbalanced scope support that lowers scopes to an easy, reachable level, without the need for step stools or reaching. "This product is great for the vertically-challenged," noted Shannon Bennett, director of marketing for InnerSpace, Grand Rapids, MI.

Vendors are also keeping a finger on the pulse of future user requirements, designing ergonomic products that can stand the test of time.

"Healthcare workers' jobs are always changing, so what works today may not always be the best solution down the road," explained Kent Droppers, InterMetro's corporate vice president of sales. It's important for us to develop carts that can be resized and reconfigured so they can adapt to these changes and still provide users with an effective ergonomic solution."

Upping the security quotient

While employee safety is undeniably important, savvy storage vendors know security is also on the minds of their healthcare customers. Not only are organizations working hard to prevent costly product and equipment loss due to theft, they are also concerned about unlawful access to narcotics--both of which have necessitated the development of more secure carts and storage cabinets.

"Keeping inventory supplies locked is an increasingly important issue in healthcare. Buyers are purchasing more keyless entry carts for convenience and ease of use," said Bennett, adding that such mechanisms eliminate the need to carry keys and the risk of losing them when they're needed most. InnerSpace's Harmony V Keyless Entry cart features a programmable automatic relock and a manual key override. There's also a keyless entry option for InnerSpace's closed storage systems with roll-top doors. The keypad is installed at eyelevel, which prevents users from bending down to unlock the cabinet or cart.