Ergonomic Computer Carts that are easy to use are critical to a successful Electronic Medical Record (EMR) implementation. The checklist below gives your hospital some guidance on ergonomic issues that are important considerations for decision makers and clinical users.
The checklist focuses on powered computer carts rather than medication carts. It can be used to evaluate a single cart or to compare multiple mobile workstation designs.
- Does the mobile cart have comfortable fore and aft grips for easy pushing and pulling by clinical users?
- Can the computer cart handles be adjusted to a comfortable height?
- Is it easy to push and pull the computer on wheels with minimal force?
- Is the workstation on wheels easy to steer and maneuver the cart whether being pushed or pulled?
- Is the cart base narrow enough to maneuver in tight spaces, such as around a hospital bed?
- Does the workstation easily support the desired computer unit (desktop, laptop, thin client etc.)?
- Does the computer cart allow the work surface to easily be raised to at least 48 inches from the floor?
- Does the computer on wheels provide an adequate, stable work surface platform for writing/medication preparation?
- Does the workstation have a height adjustable, negative tilt keyboard platform (0 to -15 degrees).)?
- Does the cart have an adjustable mouse platform that meets your ergonomic requirements?
- Does the mobile cart provide a means of stowing the mouse?
- Does the medical cart allow the keyboard and mouse platform to pivot for use in confined spaces?
- For standing use, can the keyboard platform easily be raised to 48 inches from the floor?
- For sitting use, can the keyboard platform easily be lowered to 25 inches from the floor?
- Does the hospital cart provide a stable platform for keying and mousing?
- Does the computer cart allow independent height adjustment of a computer screen?
- For standing use, can the top of a 17 inch LCD screen be raised to 71inches from the floor?
- For sitting use, can the bottom of a 17 inch LCD screen be lowered to 32 inches from the floor?
- Can the user swivel and tilt the computer screen to a comfortable viewing position?
- Does the workstation provide stable support for the desired size and number of computer screens?
- Does the COW provide sufficient convenient storage for task requirements?
- Does the cart accommodate all of the required accessories for task requirements?
- Does the cart provide appropriate security measures to prevent equipment from theft?
- Does the cart provide an easily readable display of battery power?
- Does the cart provide visual and audible warnings of an impending low power situation?
- Does the medical workstation have a battery that can be quickly and easily changed?
- Is the battery life adequate for the task demands?
- Is it easy to reach the power plug for recharging the battery?
- Does the battery recharge quickly enough?
- Does the cart provide the required power outlets and electrical characteristics?
- Is the cart made from materials that are easy to clean and sterilize?
- Are cart surfaces made from materials that will not chip or crack?
- Are the cart surface materials comfortable to touch (not too cold or hot)?
- Are the edges rounded or padded and free from sharp edges?
- Does the cart cool the battery without a fan that can blow contaminants around?
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