Physical workstations and dormant desktop computers are real problems in healthcare applications right now. So too are dropped wireless connections among hospital staff who use mobile computers to guide their every decision and action, especially when they’re rushing from one side of the building to the next or in and out of patient rooms, trying to provide excellent care to patients.
That’s why our team at PLS is rallying healthcare IT decision makers to rethink how, when, and where they’re using different types of mobile devices within their facilities. I’m also challenging them to consider whether anything but mobile computers are needed on the floor.
Mobile Devices Aren’t Just for On-Demand Applications – At Least Not Anymore
Over the past several years, Zebra Technologies has led multiple conversations with end users about what a multipurpose 2-in-1-type handheld device might look like in a healthcare environment. Most of their teams are highly mobile, so they need smaller lightweight devices that can be carried either in hand or as a wearable for health workers to use as part of their standard operating procedures.
That’s why the rugged handheld mobile computers within the Zebra EC Healthcare Series have been so popular with all types of healthcare workers, including nurses, lab technicians, and check-in staff. With just a single, one-handed scan, all kinds of information can be extracted from a barcode – and several different questions answered for patients. The smaller form factor device can also be clipped on a belt when health workers need to free up their hands to complete other tasks.
Despite the many benefits and growing capabilities of handheld mobile computers, though, some things are just easier to see and do on a 20-inch display or with a full-sized keyboard and mouse. Having to manually input patient data, get signoff on specific tests, or review more detailed reports are all great examples. So, hospitals and medical centers had previously set up workstations with traditional desktop computers for nurses and workers to use as needed for those few things too challenging to do on a mobile device screen.
However, now that mobility solutions have matured, healthcare workers are making fewer trips to these desktop-computer workstations, rendering traditional desktop computers somewhat obsolete. A combination of new hardware and software capabilities is leading to greater mobile optimization of forms, reports, task lists, and more. And tasks that occasionally require access to a full-size screen, keyboard use or connection to other peripherals can be now easily managed through mobile workstations – workers don’t need to log into separate desktop computers anymore.
What that means is that you can probably reduce the number of desktop workstations on the floor, replacing them with mobile workstations, accessible on demand.
And now that Zebra Workstation Connect can turn the newest-generation, Android™ 11 mobile computers into a fully-featured desktop computer with a simple drop into the workstation cradle, you can probably eliminate traditional desktop computers from the equation. (As well as the time and expense of providing hardwire ethernet at the workstation.)
To be transparent, since I know some decision makers will ask: no, this is not another “mirror-mode” fixed-to-mobile solution.
Once your Zebra mobile computer or tablet is docked in a workstation cradle, it converts into a Zebra mobile workstation, running a separate desktop user interface on the large screen from what is currently shown on the mobile device screen. It doesn’t just project what’s on the small screen to the large screen. It completely switches modes, using desktop resolution to turn the mobile computer into the “desktop” computer.
Healthcare workers can set up shortcuts, use task bars, resize windows and open multiple apps in multiple windows like they would with a traditional desktop terminal. And, unlike the old-school workstation setups, they can also work on different applications on the mobile device and desktop simultaneously. For example, they can connect a headset and use the mobile computer to make a push-to-talk (PTT) or PBX call to colleagues across the hospital, at other hospitals, in the warehouse or on the road while it’s docked, running as a “desktop” on the large screen.
Pair Zebra Mobile Workstation Solutions with EloTouch Healthcare Monitors
Healthcare organization can easily get the most durable healthcare-centric workstation by pairing EloTouch healthcare-grade touchscreen monitors with Workstation Connect cradles.
This solution can also be paired with Capsa medical workstation carts, like the Trio workstation cart. Imagine your healthcare workers having the ability to print, scan, and manager patients using their EMR and mobile device, then being able to immediately cast onto a 24″ healthcare monitor? This solution is innovative, cost-effective, and provides a huge ROI for your team.
Need a healthcare-centric MDM? PLS can provide licenses and training for esper, which is an excellent MDM that allows you to manage and configure Android devices out in the field. Esper provides security and scalability essential for your organization’s growth. Whether you have hundreds or tens of thousands of devices, Esper’s next-gen MDM solution helps you stay ahead with unmatched flexibility and delightful simplicity. Did we mention esper is allow a Zebra Authorized ISV?
What are you waiting for? Contact PLS right away to start reviewing Zebra Mobile Workstation Solutions for your organization
Our team at PLS wants to help you improve workflows and build maximum ROI for your organization. Please contact our team anytime at info@plsusa.com to start discussing your newest project!
