Accessories for medical computers - hygienic, safe and variable

Medical computers are used by every medical specialty today. Digitalization in the healthcare sector is being driven forward, and in future the doctor treating a patient should be able to call up all of the patient's health data at the touch of a button and process it as required. But even without the "transparent patient" already existing, our healthcare system can no longer do without so-called "medical PCs". A particularly large number of them are used during surgical procedures, with each monitor displaying different measurement data. A larger flat screen presents the enlarged camera perspective of the probe in the operating field - in real time, of course. In the intensive care unit, medical computers are responsible for sounding the alarm immediately if vital functions deteriorate, and during ward rounds they are used to decide whether a patient can be discharged. Without a doubt, medical computers must therefore first and foremost be absolutely reliable. In addition, they must be particularly robust and meet special requirements in terms of hygiene, electromagnetic compatibility, read-in options and battery management.

The areas of application for medical computers are diverse. The most frequently used data processing systems are hospital information systems (HIS), patient data management systems and anesthesia documentation systems. There are also separate information systems for endoscopy and radiology data, but up to now these have operated and been operated independently of each other. Medical computers are not only needed in hospitals and doctors' surgeries, but are also indispensable in care facilities, patient transport vehicles, medical care centers and pharmacies. Special accessories ensure that the various application forms can be used in close proximity to the patient without taking up too much space. While the support arm or swivel arm holds the device and monitor above the patient, shelves for notebooks and keyboard holders secure the devices at the correct height for easy access by all authorized staff.

Special requirements for medical computers

An ordinary computer would not work for long in a clinical environment. Its use would also be associated with unacceptable risks. First and foremost, a medical computer must be able to be cleaned with various chemicals. Aggressive disinfectants must not harm the display and housing in the long term. Glazing on the screen, antibacterial coatings and the complete absence of fans are very common. A fan would both suck in and distribute dust and other infectious material and would also be a reservoir for germs. A PC with a fan is therefore inconceivable in a clean room environment and is also undesirable in patient rooms with potentially immunocompromised people. In addition to the high demands placed on the reliability of medical computers, incorrect operation must also be ruled out as far as possible, as such an error can have far-reaching consequences. In addition, a medical computer must not be disturbed by external electromagnetic influences, nor should it have a disruptive effect. For this reason, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is an important parameter with regard to the suitability of a computer for the medical sector. As a rule, common features of medical computers should already be integrated into the systems, such as digitizers and readers for smart cards, magnetic strips, RFID and barcodes. The increasingly popular medical panel computers with multifunctional display and integrated touchscreen must also be able to be operated with latex or nitrile gloves. They should also have IP 65 protection, at least on the front. This means that the flat screen is both completely dustproof and can withstand a directed jet of liquid. The computers must also be designed for 24/7 continuous operation. This also includes a removable battery system that allows a second battery to be replaced during operation.

Complex challenge: Efficient multimedia setup in the medical sector

The more bodily functions that need to be monitored by medical computers, the more space the various devices require. Therefore, particularly flexible solutions are required in this area, which can also be fixed and adjusted without tools in just a few simple steps. A monitor must neither be concealed nor get in the way, which is why it is best to use wall, ceiling or tripod-mounted supports. Depending on the size and weight of the respective flat screen, either a support arm or a rotating swivel arm is suitable. The keyboard holder should be located as far away as possible from the operating field, instrument tray and equipment trolley, at least if liquid splashes can occur. It is therefore advisable to place the keyboard holder or the tray provided for it behind a vertical barrier on a slightly higher level. In this way, the keyboard holder can still be reached by the practitioner, but has splash protection. If space is very limited, it is also possible to mount two or more screens on top of each other on a single support tube. Such a double holder can also be attached to an equipment trolley or multi-purpose trolley and is often used during ward rounds when a device is only used for a brief check on the patient and is then transported onwards. If a notebook is used, a fixed shelf on a standard rail is not recommended, but rather a shelf that is supported by a swivel arm and can be moved out of the way very quickly in the event of unforeseen circumstances, for example if the patient suddenly becomes unstable.

Sophisticated & flexible: accessories for medical computers

Buschmeier Medizintechnik focuses on individual solutions for the medical sector that have already proven themselves many times in practice. We offer selected accessories that you need to arrange medical computers sensibly, conveniently and safely. The swivel brackets, for example, which can be mounted without tools and are available for mounting support tubes on vertical or horizontal standard rails, are particularly popular. We recommend using the double bracket directly, as you can always use extra space for another monitor. The swivel arms can support a load of up to 25 kilograms and are therefore also suitable if the flat screen is larger and heavier. If you need an additional fixed support arm but no longer have enough standard rails, we offer you various options for expanding your capacity. With the help of our height-adjustable individual components in combination with various holding claws, a computer setup can be set up or dismantled in just a few seconds. Every employee should be able to personalize their workstation quickly and easily. A display that needs to be kept in view for long periods of time should be at eye level or slightly below, otherwise there is a risk of cervical spine problems in the long term. We therefore always recommend the height-adjustable version, especially for medical computers. In the consoles and shelves category, you will find various shelves that are also ideal for temporarily placing a notebook. If you need special keyboard holders or other supports for your medical computers, we will also be happy to configure the necessary accessories for you so that they fit perfectly into your system. Feel free to contact us about custom-made products, we will realize your project idea quickly and reliably.