3 Key Ergonomic Features for Workstations in 2023
Workstations on wheels and medical computer carts have become an integral part of most healthcare facilities. The ergonomics of these workstations play a crucial role in improving the working conditions of the nursing staff.
Computer carts and workstations not designed with good ergonomic principles can make them difficult to use and even cause health problems. Poor ergonomics and ill-designed workstations can put nurses at risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). If fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses are more susceptible to developing MSD than any other profession due --at least in part -- to the poor ergonomics of workstations.
Workstations that have superior ergonomics can increase nurse satisfaction and boost productivity. It is important to consider certain key ergonomic characteristics if you are looking for the optimal mobile computer cart for your healthcare facility.
One of the most important ergonomic features of a workstation designed for nurses is its adaptability to support both a standing and a sitting workflow. In other words, the user should be able to quickly adjust the workstation for either standing or sitting use positions. Studies show that alternating between sitting and standing positions is the best for improving posture and reducing discomfort.
The cart should allow the work surface to be raised to 48” for standing or lowered to 24” (the lowest height of the keyboard tray) for sitting positions. The keyboard should also allow for a comfortable tilt so that there is no additional stress on the wrists while the nurse enters data.
An ergonomically designed computer cart and workstation should allow all these adjustments to meet the user’s needs.
Adjusting the workstation's height is important. Doing it easily and quickly is essential. Changing the workstation height can be especially challenging if an additional load is added. Carts equipped with electronic powered lifting enable the adjustment of the height of the work surface with the touch of a button. The nurse does not need to adjust the height manually and risk injuring themselves.
The AccessPoint™ series of powered workstations from TouchPoint Medical allows easy height adjustment thanks to the state-of-the-art electronic power lifting mechanism.
Nurses spend almost 35% (3.5 hours per shift) of their time entering patient data on electronic medical record systems. Therefore, the workstation’s screen should be able to adjust independently for standing and sitting so that it is ergonomically friendly to the users.
According to the computer cart ergonomic checklist developed by Cornell University, the top of the 22-24” computer screen should have the ability to be raised to 71” from the floor while the user is in a standing position. The checklist also recommends that the screen should be able to be lowered to 32” from the floor when the user is in the sitting position for the best possible ergonomic experience.
Additionally, the user should be able to swivel and tilt the screen to a comfortable viewing position both in standing and sitting positions. The ability to change the viewing angles helps users to adjust the monitors to a viewing angle that is the most comfortable for them.
Ergonomics of workstations on wheels is important in reducing stress and improving the nursing staff’s efficiency. A properly designed workstation can help nurses do their job more comfortably without exposing them to risks of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
TouchPoint Medical’s AccessPoint™ Powered Workstations on Wheels are designed to give nurses convenience, flexibility, and comfort so they can focus on helping patients.
If you are looking for computer workstations and medical computer carts, contact us today with inquiries, product information, demo, or any other questions.
