Talking Safety: Invest in Quality, Certified Solutions

Organisations worldwide are adopting and implementing technologies to help drive improved clinical outcomes, financial viability and operational efficiencies.

With so many decisions related to features and functionality, it can be easy to overlook the most foundational questions when selecting new healthcare solutions. Is the product designed for long-term safety? Does it have the industry certifications and rigorous testing that helps provide peace of mind for users and leaders alike?

To choose quality solutions for today’s healthcare environments, prioritize these important factors.

Certifications

Official industry certifications instill confidence that safety is at the foundation of each product design. ISO certifications are trusted international standards for products or services that often relate to quality or safety.

Look for products manufactured by companies that are 9001:2015 certified, which demonstrates a commitment to best-practice procedures in the facility. Specifically for healthcare, ISO 13485:2016 certification points to a robust quality management system overseeing healthcare product manufacturing.

Battery Safety

Powered medical carts should have their own certifications for both the power system and the entire cart. Look for a label on the cart as proof of certification. UL/EN/IEC 60601-1 and CAN/CSA C22.2 No.601.1 M90 are popular standards that regulate medical electrical equipment.

Invest in healthcare solutions with battery technology known for safe chemistry like Lithium Iron Phosphate, often referred to as LiFe, to help reduce the risk of a cart battery or electrical-related problem.

Rigorous Testing

Leading manufacturers will exceed even the most rigid quality expectations for professional-grade solutions. This ensures you invest in long-lasting products that promote safety and provide peace of mind.

100% functional testing should be performed on every product with cycle testing to help ensure quality and reliability. Special tests like twist stability, brake cycling, intentional dynamic abuse and tip testing work to validate quality construction for medical carts, wall workstations and more. Four-times load testing will also help ensure product safety for the rigors of regular use in healthcare settings.

Warranty

Product warranties indicate the confidence a company has in the ability of its product to perform over a long period of time. While a long warranty is a good indicator of a reputable company, healthcare organizations should request a reliability performance test report from prospective vendors. In addition to a generous warranty, 24/7 access to customer care and technical support from the actual manufacturer also helps ensure accountability.

Leading Ergonomics

Another key component to safe, quality designs is ergonomics. When clinicians or staff can work comfortably at a workstation, they have a lower risk of developing minor aches and pains that can lead to larger health and safety problems in the future, including musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Choose healthcare solutions from organizations known for their ergonomic expertise. Designs should be flexible and height adjustable to accommodate a broad range of users, usually the sitting 5th percent female up to the standing 95th percent male. Look for products that offer additional customizations, including keyboard tray height and monitor tilt and pan, that promote an ergonomic fit.

A Trusted Partner

Engaging with a reputable industry leader with a long track record of safety will help ensure an effective implementation and most importantly, long-term adoption and success.

For 40 years, Ergotron has designed quality, human-centred products that connect healthcare workers and technology to enhance human performance, health and happiness. Learn more about our commitment to safety and quality at www.ergotron.com/company/quality-tested.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/MyCreative