Search

The article discusses T-slot aluminum extrusion, a modular framing system made of aluminum profiles with T-shaped slots, popular in engineering applications like automation and medical laboratories. The system offers versatility, durability, and ease of use, with profiles available in imperial and metric measurements to cater to different markets. T-slot extrusion is used for constructing structures, safety guarding, and automation equipment, providing a stable base for various applications in industries like manufacturing and biotechnology. The system's adaptability and reliability make it a valuable tool for enhancing productivity and ensuring workplace safety in diverse industrial settings. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the move of WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital to modernize mechanical systems in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in 2017. According to Joe Lehigh of the engineering team of the facility, high on the list was cooling equipment with close ties to operation of their catheterization and clinical laboratories. It mentions that the need for replacing the cooling tower became clear as the increase in cooling capacity required was not achievable with the equipment.

The article evaluates hospital carts and workstations including the Harmony Point-of-Care (POC) from the healthcare storage systems company Stanley InnerSpace, the Modu-stor from the materials storage system manufacturer DSI Direct and the Motion MCW-200 workstation from computer workstation manufacturer Motion Computing.

The article looks at how a hospital's sterile processing department (SPD) provides safe patient care by preventing the spread of infections. Recommended standards of practice for SPD include guidelines from the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Cleaning and disinfecting, packaging and flash sterilization are also discussed.

The article features smart carts used in the health care industry, including A-Smart from Armstrong Medical and brands by Unicell Inc. and Rubbermaid Medical Solutions.

The article offers tips on overhauling supply areas and eliminating storage-related challenges in hospitals. It cites that an ideal storage facility promotes effective and ergonomic work flow, maximizes available square footage and incorporates a good organizational plan that can accommodate both current and future storage needs. It notes that portable supply storage solutions can drive efficiencies. LEAN Enterprise concepts are said to target storage from an effective, simple, retrieval and replenishment approach.

The article deals with hospital beds. The bed is playing a much more active role in patient care at a time when it is needed and hospitals are reaping the financial rewards from these necessary capital investments. It notes that bed capacity management is quickly becoming a hot button in new technology developments as hospitals struggle with capacity restraints.

The article focuses on the need for hospitals to conduct maintenance program for their medical instruments. Gregg Agoston, sales manager at Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, urges hospitals to develop a system for monitoring damage and educate staff on instrument care. It suggests hospitals to team up with their original equipment manufacturer and vendors for instrument education. It recommends hospitals to consider flexible scheduling before entering into an instrument maintenance partnership. INSET: Pinpointing common problems.

The article discusses the construction of health-care market by Entertainment Weekly (EW's) Electrical Market 101 series in the U.S. The hospitals and other healthcare facilities were offering electrical distributors special sales opportunities on its continuing expansion and construction, requirements on specialized electric equipment and the tremendous amount of voice-data-video (VDV). Forecasts for the construction of new facilities were given. The designs of the facilities were presented.

The article presents the results of a survey on the utilization of infection control practitioners (ICPs). Vicki Brinsko of Vanderbilt University Medical Center observed that the salaries of other nursing professions are higher than ICPs who have to take exam every 5 years. It found that many experienced ICPs tend to stay with the same institution long-term. The results showed an increase in the number of respondents who reported that their facility had stockpiled supplies for a possible flu pandemic.

The article features several high-technology hospital beds, including TotalCare SpO2RT bed systems from Hill-Rom, RotoProne Therapy System beds from KCI and XPRT Advanced Pulmonary Therapy support surface from Stryker. INSET: Are your legacy beds safe?.

Offers advice on furnishing hospitals or other healthcare facilities. Importance of conducting space analysis; Factors to consider in selecting furniture for each rooms based on their purposes; Benefits of using computer simulation to equipment and furniture layout and design.

Discusses several considerations in selecting healthcare furniture and floor coverings. Information on the studies that have focused on the importance of design in healthcare; Specifications needed in determining the role of furniture according to Brad Dickey, operational marketing manager of Hill-Rom; Factors to take into account in addressing style, design schemes and color.

Presents a directory of U.S. companies that produce supplies used in hospitals. Adhesives and adhesive removers that are used in surgeries; Antiseptic; Bandages and wraps; Blood pressure equipment and accessories.

Presents information on several hospital beds from several U.S. manufacturers. Hill-Rom; Stryker; TSK Products Inc.

Examines the challenges faced by hospitals in treating obese patients, as of March 2004. Number of U.S. citizens who are overweight or obese according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health; Issues involved in treating obese patients; Fundamental bariatic equipment and products. INSET: The bariatric surgery reimbursement debate.

Presents an overview of the evolution of medical carts. Basis of manufacturers in developing medical carts; Influence of hospital information technology advancements in cart design; Difficulty in conversion to complete electronic charting.

Presents information on the furniture and flooring of U.S. hospitals. Reason behind the renovation of hospitals; Details of the chairs and recliners manufactured by Brayton International; Elements considered in hospital's flooring market.

Presents information on products and technologies used by hospital staff. Identi-Match blood recipient identification system from Bio-Logics Products Inc.; PurGel foot and heel protector from Gaymar Industries; Digitize alarm monitoring System 3500/3000 series from Digitize Inc.

The article offers information on sensor systems and their contribution to the modern world. Topics discussed include the development of a sensor system known as ReST which provides hospital patients a comfortable bed, the use of an advanced sensor system LiDAR as an aid in navigation and a description of SmartBin which is used in the management of community storage containers. Also mentioned is the reason for the very low scattering efficiency of radar.

The article emphasizes the relevance of instrument tracking solutions to patient safety and quality care administration in the U.S. The author cites misconceptions on instrument tracking solutions, inadequate sterile processing department budget and the assumption that instrument tracking solutions are a luxury, as the reasons for the failure of health care organizations to adopt such solutions. The benefits of instrument tracking solutions are highlighted. The experiences of some hospitals in adopting instrument tracking solutions are also described.

The article discusses the growing interest of U.S. healthcare organizations in the practice of reprocessing single-use devices in hospitals as the economy declines and the ecological awareness rises. The author says that using reprocessed medical devices has become the norm rather than the exception for hospitals and the top performing hospitals are those that apply the practice more broadly. Also, the savings generated by reprocessing can reportedly boost healthcare quality and patient safety.

The article looks at the advancements in washers and sterilizers in central service departments. Benefits of improved washers include cleaning effectiveness, reduced water consumption, and increased operator safety. Criteria for sterilization improvements include speed, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness.

The article discusses the reprocessing cycle in a sterile processing department (SPD). Cleaning the instrument is considered the most important step in the instrument processing which involves the removal of debris and bioburden. Factors that affect cleaning efficacy include mechanical, monitoring and verification, and drying performance.

The article offers several views about purchasing second-hand capital equipment for hospitals. John Marquez, president and CEO of Therapy Remarketing Group LLC, explains some of the factors to consider when evaluating whether to acquire used equipment from an original equipment manufacturer or third-party. It notes the conceptual difference between low price of acquisition versus low cost of ownership.

The article presents interviews with EQ International executives, Debbie Cameron, Keith Harville, and Scotty Farris, regarding the art and science of equipment planning. They discuss associations that represent equipment planners. They explain the criteria hospitals and other healthcare facilities should use to select the appropriate equipment planning consultant for them. They also discuss some of the drawbacks of bringing in an equipment planner.

The article reflects on the quality of specialty hospital bed rentals. It states that the daily rental rates for such beds can vary from $20 to more than $150 per day depending on what product is selected and what additions are made to that product. It presents a case study for cost reduction in specialty bed rentals at a medium-size hospital. It stresses that policies and procedures must be reviewed before implementing a budget for bed rentals.

Evaluates several products used in hospitals. lnstaKit stretcher bedding kit from Graham Medical Products; Speed Oven from Duke Manufacturing; StatLock IV UltraNeonate catheter device from Venetec International; Bariatric Geri reclining chair from TSK Products.

Provides information on C-arms technology products. Siremobil Iso-C from Siemens Medical Solutions; BV mobile C-arms equipment line from Philips Medical Systems; OEC 9800 MD from GE Healthcare.

Focuses on innovative container systems for transport, sterilization and storage of surgical instruments. Factors that contribute to the purchase of a container system; Benefits of an aluminum rigid and composite material-based container system; Description of several container systems available in the market.

Discusses the factors to consider when purchasing furniture and floor coverings for health care facilities in the U.S. Design and functionality; Standardization;Patient and worker safety; Cleaning and maintenance.

Focuses on the U.S. market for surgical tables and lighting used in operating rooms of hospitals in 2003. Estimate of the value of the U.S. surgical lighting market; Market share of Berchtold Corp., Skytron, Getinge Inc. and STERIS Corp.; Views of surgeons and lighting manufacturers on the importance of steady light in the operating room; Evolution of the surgical tables market.

Provides information on several companies that distribute hospital supplies. Owens & Minor Inc.; Caligor Hospital Supply; Allegiance Healthcare Corp.

Evaluates several medical supplies and hospital equipment released in the market as of April 2002. Chorus Uplighter line of office lightning from Waldmann Lighting company; Esteem synthetic powder-free surgical glove from Allegiance Healthcare Corp.; T-Series line of washer-extractors from Pellerin Minor Corp.

A letter to the editor is presented which calls for a donor who could give used chemistry analyzer for the patients of St. Jude's Hospital in the U.S.

This article profiles Custom Comfort Medtek, chief executive officer Peter Gaughn, and vice president Doug Patton. The firm is a provider of furnishings and office equipment for medical laboratories, hospitals, and medical centers in the U.S. Critical success factors include customer service, input of medical professionals in product planning and refinement, and a focus on ergonomics.

The article previews several health management products and services including the REV360 rotational and protective iPad case, the VidyoMobile applications for Apple iOS 4.X and Android, and the McKesson Practice Choice practice management system.

The article offers information on mobile computing/point of care (POC) products including ST7 Mobile Workstations from InfoLogix, wall-mounted electronic medical record workstation from Rubbermaid Medical Solutions, and T5 POC Technology Cart from Humanscale.

The article presents a list of companies that sell hospital cart and workstation products.

The article focuses on the findings of the inspection conducted by mechanical contractor Batchelor & Kimball Inc. to the energy wheels and related components at the Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta, Georgia. Results showed that the material found in the contractors product possess a blend of natural and synthetic fibers that maintain high removal efficiency throughout the filter's life. Emory Hospital said that the air handling system reduced operating costs and energy usage.

The article evaluates several healthcare industry products including Anthro's ct1 ergonomic radiology furniture, BRIT Systems' Roentgen Works radiology work flow solution and Carestream Health's vendor-neutral archiving solution.

The article presents questions and answers related to the white paper "Top 10 Hospital Technology Issues: A C-Suite Watch List for 2009 and Beyond" released by ECRI Institue of Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, including which of the top 10 technologies should involve acquisition and evaluation process by the supply chain management department, recommendations for prioritizing the acquisition of these costly technologies during economic hard times, and advice for involving supply chain management in the acquisition and evaluation process.

The author examines why health information technology (HIT) is not adopted by physicians in their practices and offers suggestions on how to encourage healthcare providers embrace it. He points out that hospitals will not be buying capital-intensive healthcare equipment because of the tightening of the credit markets. The author says one of the reasons why HIT has failed is because physicians believe that they will not benefit from any improvement in the health system.

The article evaluates several hospital equipment and supplies including the V-Series line of modular storage cabinets, workstations and carts from InnerSpace, Metrex dual-enzymatic detergents, and STERRAD 100NX System low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization from Advanced Sterilization Products.

The article presents questions and answers related to in-house reprocessing, including why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require original equipment manufacturers to identify single-use medical devices (SUD), the suitability of reprocessed SUDs for another use and whether the FDA intends to discourage hospitals from reprocessing SUDs.

The article offers advice in buying capital equipment for hospitals. It mentions that requests-for-proposals process is designed for both sides to achieve the best deal or discount rather than finding a way to establish the best value. It also stresses that the value of capital equipment cannot and should not be measured by some elusive best price, which only shows that materials management is satisfied with the result of a negotiation related to a transaction.

An interview with Karen Stenger, advanced practice nurse with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC), is presented. The UIHC is an example of health facilities that have reduced costs related to worker injury by implementing appropriate patient handling equipment. She says that the facility initiated a multi-disciplinary ergonomics committee to address both patient handling-exertion injuries and non-patient care injuries. She notes that portable lifts are essential if ever a patient should fall or trip.

The article reports on the installment of a magnetic resonance imaging-compatible surgical table system that features the MAQUET ALPHAMAQUET Removable Tabletop at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.

The article offers suggestions to ensure the efficient cost control of repairing medical devices used in healthcare facilities. Healthcare facilities should verify the capability of vendors supplying the devices. The cost-effectiveness of independent service organizations should also be considered. The key factors to consider when negotiating with vendors on repairs are provided.

The article offers tips to avoid endoscope damage that could lead to fluid invasion. It should be emphasized that reducing the risk of damage is a team effort. The team should be guided by several considerations. First, protect the scope by checking the compatibility and working condition. Second, follow original equipment manufacturer's operating instructions. Third, train personnel in reprocessing the device.