News

Perspectives on Nursing – the Transition to Informatics

Sun, 06 May 2012 20:00:00 -0500

I came from a blue-collar community in the early ’70s where many women ended up in lower paying jobs expecting that their husbands would take care of them. Being a rather independent person, I wanted to wanted to find a career that would allow me to always put a roof over my head and food in my mouth without having to depend on anyone to provide for me. I chose nursing since I am lousy at math and I figured that there would always be sick people.

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HIMSS12 & Stage 2 MU: A Match Made in Vegas

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:00:00 -0500

HIMSS12 proved to be the biggest HIMSS yet as more than 37,000 healthcare executives, IT professionals, and clinical leaders flocked to Las Vegas to attend valuable health IT educational sessions and evaluate the latest products and services from more than 1,100 vendors in the exhibit hall. The turnout for HIMSS12 increased 18% over the 2011 event held in Orlando, which previously held the record for highest attendance. I was among the sea of 37,000, but was only able to take in a fraction of what the event had to offer.

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CNIO role on the rise

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:00:00 -0500

What is a Chief Nursing Informatics Officer (CNIO), some people ask, and how important is one? In this era of healthcare payment realignment and evidence-based medicine, key stakeholders say the CNIO position is critical.

According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), nursing informatics (NI) is a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge and wisdom in nursing practice. NI supports consumers, patients, nurses and other providers in their decision-making in all roles and settings.

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Rubbermaid unveils PC-enabled telemedicine cart

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions’ telemedicine category, a leading provider of mobile healthcare solutions for telemedicine, announced the release of the T38VPC, the latest addition to its Telemedicine Cart line.

The cart’s new technology includes a PC-enabled platform, which allows providers to access other software and web-based applications directly from the cart. In addition, the cart includes a “plug-and-play” panel, which can be used to connect medical devices, such as ultrasound machines or exam cameras. These features allow providers and patients to seamlessly connect with one another for consultations and appointments so that healthcare delivery is more immediate and patients have greater access to medical care.

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Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Announces New Mobile Technology

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of medication carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, today announced the release of its Mobile Technology Cabinet (MTC) - a solution that blends the aesthetics of a cabinet with the flexibility of a mobile computing cart. The innovative solution's ergonomic design and easy maneuverability allows for greater patient interaction than a traditional computer cart, while still being able to blend into the hospital room like a cabinet.

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Rubbermaid Medical Solutions’ telemedicine category unveils PC-enabled cart

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions’ telemedicine category, a leading provider of mobile healthcare solutions for telemedicine, today announced the release of the T38VPC, the latest addition to its Telemedicine Cart line. This new version of the cart includes cutting-edge technology advancements to enable real-time care collaboration and the exchange of data and medical information between healthcare providers.

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Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Announces New Mobile Technology Cabinet

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of medication carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, today announced the release of its Mobile Technology Cabinet (MTC) – a solution that blends the aesthetics of a cabinet with the flexibility of a mobile computing cart. The innovative solution’s ergonomic design and easy maneuverability allows for greater patient interaction than a traditional computer cart, while still being able to blend into the hospital room like a cabinet.

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Rubbermaid Medical Solutions’ Telemedicine Category Unveils PC-Enabled Cart

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:00:00 -0500

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Overcoming Obstacles to EMR Mobility

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:00:00 -0500

To have a truly complete EMR solution, nurses and physicians must have the ability to move freely throughout their workday, without having to be tethered to a fixed workstation for EMR access. Mobile carts provide this flexibility and have become an integral part of many EMR solutions, enabling nurses and physicians to deliver and document care plans by making electronic data portable and eliminating the restrictive nature of using fixed computer stations that prevent true bedside care.

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Rubbermaid Medical Names Cheryl Parker Chief Nursing Informatics Officer

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions or RMS, a part of Newell Rubbermaid Co. (NWL), has appointed Cheryl Parker, RN-BC, FHIMSS, as the new Chief Nursing Informatics Officer or CNIO to help develop new products and initiatives that reflect the current needs and trends in the healthcare industry.
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ADVANCE for Nurses – Rubbermaid Names New Chief Nursing Informatics Officer

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), a provider of medication carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, has named Cheryl D. Parker, PhD, RN-BC, FHIMSS, its chief nursing informatics officer (CNIO).

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Rubbermaid Medical hires executive to lead nursing informatics efforts

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Medical cart and clinical workstation maker Rubbermaid Medical Solutions has named a new executive to help the company develop products for nurses.

Cheryl Parker joins the medical products unit of Newell Rubbermaid (NYSE:NWL) as chief nursing informatics officer. Will Horner, director of marketing for Rubbermaid Medical, said Parker will be a “nurse advocate” and offer insight about what nurses want and need to improve work flow.

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Fierce Healthcare - Rubbermaid Names New Chief Nursing Informatics Officer

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of medication carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, has named Cheryl D. Parker, PhD, RN-BC, FHIMSS, as the new Chief Nursing Informatics Officer (CNIO). In this capacity, Dr. Parker will help develop new products and initiatives that reflect the current needs and trends in the healthcare industry.

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Gadget Guide

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:00:00 -0500

Wireless. Mobile. Handheld. Medical and office device designers seem intent on attracting physicians and administrators by creating products that can fit in a pocket or bag, and don't need an electrical outlet or a computer to share data.

In our annual guide to the latest devices, gadgets and equipment for your practice, we feature some of those wireless and mobile innovations, which range in price from a few hundred dollars to more than the cost of a house. The guide includes items such as a computer tablet designed for heavy-duty healthcare use, a handheld infrared light used to locate veins, and an ultrasound device that plugs into a smartphone.

Some of these devices will be out of your price range or just won't be practical for your office, but they may give you some ideas about how to make your and your employees' jobs a little easier.

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Critical Nursing Access

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:00:00 -0500

Mayo Regional Hospital’s use of Rubbermaid is the focus of this online case study.

Like many of the 1,305 certified critical access hospitals (CAHs) in the U.S., the nursing, pharmacy and other professional staff at Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, ME, are continually challenged to do more with less.

Adding staff is not an easy option, so to protect patients we must become more efficient.

In our hospital, medication administration has been a big patient safety challenge - as it is nationwide.

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Super-smart mobile technology cabinet

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Mobile Technology Cabinet (MTC) was designed to optimize maneuverability by blending premium cabinet aesthetics with the flexibility of mobile computing carts. Its compact footprint limits space requirements, and its adjustable-height capabilities allow users to sit or stand while using the MTC. Key features include the ability to conceal technology when doors are closed, 20 unique finishes options and a large work surface with a raised edge. This cart is equipped with battery-life tracking software and sends email alerts directly to IT when issues arise.

Excerpt from www.healthcaretechnologyonline.com, "Super-smart mobile technology cabinet".

View the entire magazine online. The MTC appears on page 30.

mHIMSS - Harnessing the mobile power of PODs

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

JD Helm, RN discusses the no-brainer decision and impact of implementing mobile informatics carts - or, as they call them, PODS (Patient Oriented Data Systems) - on nursing units. Read the full article.

Improving Medication Compliance In a Critical Access Hospital

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:00:00 -0500

Deb Stroud of Mayo Regional Hospital is in this IT Roundtable about wireless and mobility in community hospitals.

Like many of the 1,305 certified Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in the United States, the nursing, pharmacy and other professional staff at Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, are continually challenged to do more with less. Adding staff is not an option, so to protect patients we must become more efficient. In our hospital, medication administration has been a big patient safety challenge—as it is nationwide.

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New Technology helps reduce errors and improve workflow

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

This article features a case study of North York General Hospital in Toronto's implementation of Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) and an advanced, closed-loop medication administration system. While the initiative fostered numerous workflow changes throughout the hospital, one of the most ambitious involved redesigning of the medication administration process.

Excerpt from www.canhealth.com, "New Technology Helps Reduce Errors and Improve Workflow." Read the full article online. Article appears on pages 6 and 8.

Improving Medication Compliance In A Critical Access Hospital

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

According to a 2010 report from the National Quality Forum National Priorities Partnership, preventable medication errors cost the U.S. healthcare system $21B annually, with about $16B from inpatient settings alone (NQF Action Brief: A Roadmap for Increasing Value in Health Care. Preventing Medication Errors: a $21B Opportunity, November 2010). A 2006 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report shows that medication errors are the eighth leading cause of death. When all types of errors are accounted for—including late administration and skipped doses that do not lead to obvious injuries—it is estimated that there is at least one medication error per hospital patient per day.

Studies suggest (New England Journal of Medicine. Effect of barcode technology on the safety of medication administration, 2010 May 6) that electronic medication administration recording (eMAR) systems that use bar coding to verify medication delivery can reduce errors; so in April 2008, we implemented an eMAR system. Our medication error rate did decrease, but the system revealed a significant percentage of our medications were delivered more than one hour after the ordered time, making "wrong time" our most common medication error.

Most hospitals are familiar with the problem we faced. Nurses spend so much time walking back and forth from the bedside to the automated dispensing device—and waiting in line at the machine— that they fall behind. We're often interrupted when we cross paths with other nurses or visitors, exacerbating medication delays. When audits observed nurses trying to "catch up," time saving steps such as retrieving medications for more than one patient and leaving medications unsecured between patient rooms were noted. Some nurses even bypassed the medication verification system. These issues presented significant patient risks for medication error.

Our first attempt at a solution was a "one time med pass" by a dedicated medication nurse for the 18 beds in our medical surgical unit (surg unit). I was personally tasked to deliver the 9:00 a.m. meds for 13 patients in the unit, but was only able to deliver about half within one hour of the prescribed time.

Excerpt from www.healthcaretechnologyonline.com, "Improving Medication Compliance in a Critical Access Hospital" by Deb Stroud. Read the full article online.

Consumer focus enhances the telehealth experience

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

There's little doubt that the real promise of telehealth will be realized when solutions designed for non-techical users simplify and improve the whole clinical experience.

Widespread adoption will occur when focus shifts from the mechanical aspects of the application to the user experience. The key is to make the telehealth experience as close to a live clinical visit as possible - but with more accessibility and flexibility.

Telemedicine has been described as "the great equalizer" because it removes many of the geographical and socio-economic barriers to quality care. Twenty years ago, if you wanted to see the best neurologist in Toronto, it helped to live in the metro area. Now, via telemedicine, you can be seen by that specialist even if you live in North Battleford, Saskatchewan.

The farmland surrounding North Battleford has about the same poplulation size as Berrien County, Georgia, in the United States - a low-income, rural area that in August 2010 started using telehealth in its schools.

The Berrien Count school system received a grant, and with assistance and leadership from the Georgia Partnership for Telehealth it implemented a "Med Clinic" at Berrien Elementary. The Med Clinic is one of the first School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) in the southeast United States that provides telemedicine consultation.

Students at Berrien Elementary (many of whom do not have health insurance) can now be seen by a remote, primary care physician during the school day, and their parents do not have to lose income by taking time off work for a doctor's appointment. The Med Clinic also participates with local pharmacies, so students can begin taking necessary medications soon after their teleconsultation.

Underlying this expanded acces to care is Medi Port, offered by Rubbermaid Helathcare. This advanced mobile telemedicine platform combines high-definition video and audio with the ability to share content from external medical devices such as stethoscopes.

This particular telehealth program will be expanded to all of the Berrien County schools this fall because benefits have been so dramatic: fewer emergency room visits, fewer student sick-days, and greater convenience for parents. But the benefits of telehealth arent' limited to primary care.

A similar example of patient access benefits can be found in the work of Anne PAtterson, M.D., a Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist in northeast Georgia who use the Medi Port solution to monitor high-risk pregnancies in rural communities. Georgia ranks 43rd out of the 50 U.S. states in low-birth weight infants. Dr. Patterson believes that access to telemedicine can greatly improve those outcomes.

Her practice is now connected to the Shaw Center for Women's Health in Thomasville, GA., which is more than an hour's drive away from the nearest MFM specialist. Instead of having to make multiple 100-mile round-trip visits to the doctor, women can quickly be seen by Dr. Patterson via Medi Port. She anticipates that Thomasville's preterm births and low birth with deliveries will steadily decline in the years ahead.

Many communities in Canada now have the technology to expand the telehealth opportunity to even larger numbers of undeserved patients. As telemedicine takes the next step and moves from a purely technological focus to a consumer-friendly approach, its best days are ahead.

Kevin Boyle is Business Leader for the telemedicine team at Rubbermaid Medical Solutions in Huntersville, North Carolina.

Mobile Computing 101: Function Follows Form

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Mobile workstations within healthcare organizations enhance care and support meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs), electronic medication administration records (eMARs) and computerized physician order entry (CPOE)—all proven to reduce error and control costs. The act of placing a mobile computer at the point-of-care, however isn't necessarily an improvement. Awkwardly designed equipment can have less than positive effects on patient safety and nursing workflow.

Excerpt from www.hitexchange.com "Mobile Computing 101: Function Follows Form" article by Will Hornor. Read the entire article online.

Rubbermaid Unveils Innovation Center for Medication Carts, mHealth

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), a provider of medication carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, announced the opening of its new Innovation Center and updated testing facility today. The Innovation Center, located in Rubbermaid Medical Solutions’ headquarters in Huntersville, N.C., highlights the evolution of medical carts and provides end users with an opportunity to see how different electronic health record (EHR) solutions can be utilized in a hospital environment. Coupled with a dedicated testing facility, RMS is able to test products and technology in a simulated environment as well as in a controlled setting.

The Rubbermaid Medial Solutions testing facility provides employees with the capability to test all aspects of a product before it is released to the marketplace.

With the launch of the new Innovation Center, RMS draws focus to the history of the healthcare marketplace and the products that were developed for release during that time, showing how size, features and models have evolved over the years to accommodate medical needs. An additional feature allows end users to interact with products and observe their progression from ideation to production.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Unveils Cutting Edge Innovation Center and State of the Art Testing Facility

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of medication carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, announced the opening of its new Innovation Center and updated testing facility today. The Innovation Center, located in Rubbermaid Medical Solutions’ headquarters in Huntersville, N.C., highlights the evolution of medical carts and provides end users with an opportunity to see how different electronic health record (EHR) solutions can be utilized in a hospital environment. Coupled with a dedicated testing facility, RMS is able to test products and technology in a simulated environment as well as in a controlled setting.

“Our goal is to develop solutions that address the unanswered needs of both nursing and IT staff members,” said Will Hornor, Director of Marketing for RMS. “The new facilities are extensions of that goal. Our focus is on showing end users how each of our products have evolved and how with extensive research and testing, our solutions can be easily integrated into any facility.”

The Rubbermaid Medial Solutions testing facility provides employees with the capability to test all aspects of a product before it is released to the market place. “We are always trying to improve our product, which means we are always trying to improve our testing,” said Shane Hill, Director of Research and Development for RMS. “Our test lab puts each product through a series of tests to make sure that it’s not only user friendly, but extremely durable and easy to maneuver.”

With the launch of the new Innovation Center, RMS draws focus to the history of the healthcare marketplace and the products that were developed for release during that time, showing how size, features and models have evolved over the years to accommodate medical needs. An additional feature allows end users to interact with products and observe their progression from ideation to production.

About Rubbermaid Medical Solutions
Rubbermaid Medical Solutions is the leading provider of clinical workstations and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities. Product offerings include ergonomically designed mobile computing carts, medication carts and wall-mounted workstations, which are lightweight, customizable and support multiple technologies. Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (www.rubbermaidmedical.com) is part of Newell Rubbermaid’s global portfolio of brands.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Celebrates ‘National Nurses Week

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of medication carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, recently celebrated National Nurses Week by honoring nurses at different hospitals throughout the nation. In addition, RMS announced the latest recipient of its Increasing the Capacity to Care® Nursing Award, a program recognizing the accomplishments of individual nurses around the country. National Nurses Week is held each year from May 6-12 and focuses on highlighting the diverse ways in which nurses are working to improve healthcare.
Last week RMS honored nurses by sponsoring lunches for nursing staffs at various hospitals. In addition, RMS representatives presented nurses with specially designed t-shirts and gifts in appreciation of their continued commitment to patient care.
“Nurses have a multitude of responsibilities. We know they are constantly working to provide the best patient care and experience,” said Will Hornor, Director of Marketing for RMS. “At RMS, we are thrilled to be able to honor the nurses who do so much for their community. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare and deserve the week of recognition that they receive.”

Nurses from CMC Bluementhal enjoy Rubbermaid water bottles and t-shirts

In addition to celebrating National Nurses Week through giveaways and special events, RMS has also announced the latest winner of its Increasing the Capacity to Care Nursing Award as Jorge Toledo, RN. The award, which was most recently offered to nurses working at University of Miami Health System, asks nurses to nominate their fellow colleagues through an online application process. Toledo’s nomination focused on his commitment to the use of information technology to improve patient safety and workflow efficiency, as well as his dedication to making sure patients had the best experience possible during their stay. As recognition of his accomplishment, Toledo will be receiving an American Express gift card, and Rubbermaid Medical Solutions will be donating to the University of Miami Health System’s Foundation in his name.

“The nurses at our facility always display compassion for patients and the drive to improve the quality of care given. This award program showed the level of commitment our staff has and we are proud of the work that each nurse puts into making the University of Miami Hospital one of the top learning facilities in the nation,” said Stephanie Moss, MSN, ANP-BC, Executive Director of Professional Practice and Standards and the University of Miami Hospital.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions’ Announces Winners of its Increasing the Capacity to Care Nursing Award

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of mobile carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, today announced the following nurses from Vanguard Health System and Meridian Health System as winners of the Increasing the Capacity of Care Nursing Award:

Diana Benavidas, RN, CRRN, at St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital
Robert Cooper, RN, at Chicago Weiss Memorial Hospital
Loretta Gaitan at Southeast Baptist Hospital
Joan Harvey, DNP, RN, CCRN at Ocean Medical Center
Sarah Johnson, RN, at North Central Baptist Hospital
Kevin Jordan, RN II, at Baptist Medical Center
Nicole Simmons, LVN, at Northeast Baptist Hospital

The award, which was offered to nurses working at Vanguard hospitals in San Antonio and Chicago and at Meridian hospitals in New Jersey, allowed nurses to nominate colleagues through an online application process. Each selected nurse demonstrated their commitment to the use of information technology to improve patient safety and workflow efficiency.

“We are ecstatic to honor our nurses with this award, especially with the hard work that was put in to help roll out the new bar coded medication administration system,” said Donna Ciufo, DNP, RN, NE-BC, Vice President, Nursing, & Chief Nurse Executive (Interim) at Ocean Medical Center – a Meridian Health System hospital. “This project was a major undertaking that required extensive training and preparation to make sure all of our medication carts were prepared and that the impact to workflow was understood. Even though bar coding helps the entire health system, it was the nurses who were vital to ensuring it was successfully implemented.”

“After receiving the wealth of nominations, it was clear how every nurse in our organization has stepped up to the plate to enhance patient safety, quality and service,” said Gary Davis, CIO of Baptist Health System, a division of Vanguard. “We are thrilled to be able to honor our nurses with this award, and look forward to the continued system-wide dedication to improving the entire patient experience.”

“Nurses are an integral part of all health systems, and we commend every one of them for their desire to improve all aspects of the health delivery system,” said Will Hornor, Director of Marketing for RMS. “Each nomination we received showed how nurses are leading the way to improve the patient experience and care. We look forward to future Increasing the Capacity to Care Nursing Award programs so additional nurses can be honored for their commitment to improving healthcare.”

As recognition of their accomplishment, each nurse was honored at an award ceremony and received a personal trophy to commemorate the achievement. Additionally, RMS will make a donation in each person’s name to a charity of the hospital’s choosing.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Expands Sales Force to Manage Growth in Canadian Market

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Oakville, ON., March 21, 2011—Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of point-of-care computing solutions for healthcare facilities, today announced the addition of Joe Teodoro to its sales force. In his new role, Teodoro will be responsible for expanding RMS’ Canadian presence.

“I believe Rubbermaid’s innovative point-of-care solutions are well-suited to support the rapid adoption of Electronic Medical Records in Canada,” said Teodoro. “I am very excited to join a company with a long history of quality and innovation at such a dynamic period in the Canadian Healthcare system.”

Teodoro brings 15 years of experience providing point-of-care solutions to clients in Canada. He has a strong record of delivering client satisfaction through his consistent involvement in the planning, implementation, and post-sale support process. Before joining Rubbermaid Medical Solutions, Teodoro held the position of Territory Manager for Ergotron, a computer technology mounting and mobility solutions company. Prior to that, Teodoro served as a sales representative for EMC Corporation where he targeted Fortune 500 companies and participated in securing roughly two hundred million dollars in customer contracts.

“We are excited to add a sales professional with the level of experience and commitment to customer satisfaction that Joe exhibits to our team,” said Jeff Chochinov, director, global business development for RMS. “His leadership and in-depth industry knowledge will help us continue to manage the significant activity that RMS is experiencing in the Canadian market.”

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Adds to its Line of EMR Workstations

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of mobile carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, today announced the addition of an adjustable height wall cabinet to its line of wall-mounted electronic medical record (EMR) workstations. The new wall-mounted workstation has an electronic lift with 15 inches of height adjustment to accommodate a variety of users in the seated or standing positions.

In addition to the electronic lift, the adjustable height wall cabinet offers:

Enhanced security through a PIN code locking system and a proximity sensor that detects when the user walks away and automatically closes the workstation to prevent unauthorized access.
Ample space for documents and supplies due to a generous sized work surface.
Ergonomically designed features such as a task light that illuminates the work surface to reduce visual strain and improve usability as well as an extra-large mouse pad that makes point and click software applications easier to use.
Industry-leading 21 best-in-class finishes to complement any facility’s décor.

“We pride ourselves on being a leading provider of EMR access points and are very excited about this addition to our product line,” said Megan Turner, product manager for RMS. “Each product in our workstation line was developed to meet key needs associated with clinical presence, patient interaction, usability and support, and the height adjustable cabinet is a prime example. The ability to customize the cabinet to meet unique comfort needs whether standing or sitting will help to enhance usability while the range of finishes and décor options help to support hospitals’ needs associated with clinical presence.”

Other products in the RMS wall-mounted EMR workstations line include four compact, adjustable wall-arm models that swivel to allow for better patient interaction while using EMR, as well as two modular wall-cabinet models. Products from the workstation line – including the new adjustable height cabinet – will be available for demonstration at HIMSS 2011 in Orlando, Florida, February 21 through 24, 2011 in Booth #2918.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Announces Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Option for Computing and Medication Carts

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Huntersville, N.C., December 8, 2010—Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of mobile carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, today announced the availability of a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery for its computing and medication carts.

In response to market demands for a cart with a longer run-time, lighter weight and longer battery life spans, RMS is introducing a new high efficiency AC power system and a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) 40A battery. The high efficiency power supply combined with the capabilities of a Lithium-based battery delivers the best benefits to the end user due to:

A faster charge time – the lithium battery charges more than twice as fast as the traditional SLA battery because the lithium battery’s chemistry allows for a higher charge current.
A longer “up-time” – one hour of charge time for the lithium battery provides a much longer run time than a standard SLA battery does.
A less restricted charging behavior – the lithium battery’s chemistry allows deep discharge or inconsistent charge without degrading the battery capacity.

“We’re continually working to provide healthcare facilities with innovative technology and products that will help to streamline workflow – increasing overall productivity and eliminating unnecessary steps for nurses,” said Lilly Kirova, product manager for RMS. “The lithium battery, combined with the high efficiency power supply, achieves that goal by enabling carts to run longer.”

Additional benefits of lithium battery-powered computing carts include:

An extended battery life – the lithium battery boasts a five year or more life-span while other batteries only last between eight and ten months based on common usage patterns – which results in a reduced total cost of ownership.
Reduced overall weight, which enhances usability making the carts easier to move throughout the facility.

“In addition, the lithium battery maintains its runtime efficiency much longer which creates a more reliable cart for the health facility, and eliminates the frequent battery replacements that are often required by IT,” added Kirova.

Rubbermaid’s new high efficiency power system allows users to upgrade from SLA batteries to lithium, so users can take advantage of the lithium battery’s benefits without replacing the entire cart.

All RMS products are backed by a best-in-class service guarantee that includes onsite service the next business day, service call backs within two hours, help desk support, and a dedicated Technical Account Manager and Field Engineer.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Hosts Successful 2010 unSUMMIT

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Atlanta, G.A., May 5, 2010— Each year since 2006, The unSUMMIT for Bedside Barcoding (www.unsummit.com ) has offered a three-day program dedicated to the topic of bedside or “point-of-care” barcoding for clinicians, pharmacists, and IT professionals. Organizers, Mark Neuenschwander and Jamie Kelly, describe The unSUMMIT as a “truly unconventional convention designed to get you out of the clouds and into the weeds, where the union of technology and practice can be more easily realized through the shared expertise of your experienced colleagues.” As promised, the program offered rich context for barcoding efforts as well as a wealth of advice from experts deeply experienced in clinical practice to an audience of more than 220 caregivers and industry leaders from over 60 organizations, including: Brigham & Women's Hospital, MA; Hospital Corporation of America, TN; The Cleveland Clinic, OH; Virginia Mason Medical Center, WA; National Institutes of Health, DC; Clarian Health Partners, IN; and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, GA

For the past five years, Rubbermaid Medical has been among the vendors who have attended and supported the annual event. This year, Newell/Rubbermaid did one better by welcoming The unSUMMIT into their Dunwoody, GA corporate headquarters. In doing so, Rubbermaid Medical made it possible for more than 140 hospital-based attendees—directors of pharmacy, nurse managers, IT directors, patient safety officers, executives and others—to receive real-world, actionable, peer-to-peer education. Among the media that covered the conference, Susan Carr, editor of Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare concluded, "The program at The unSUMMIT was an encouraging glimpse into how satisfying the final woven product [of bedside barcoding] can look and feel."

Event co-founder Jamie Kelly recognized the contributiuons of Newell/Rubbermaid in her opening comments saying, "Despite these difficult economic times, the need for education within hospitals is greater than ever. We have the generous support of Rubbermaid Medical Solutions to thank for our ability to bring this extraordinary program to you. We could not have done it without them."

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Announces Wall-Mounted EMR Workstations Designed Exclusively for the Clinical Environment

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Atlanta, Ga.—Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of mobile carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, today announced the launch of a series of wall-mounted electronic medical record (EMR) workstations specifically designed for the clinical setting. The competitively-priced product line features four compact, adjustable wall-arm models that swivel to allow providers to face their patients while using the EMR, as well as two modular wall-cabinet models.

“In developing these workstations, we took into consideration the clinical environment’s unique needs for privacy, security, flexibility, stability, functionality and a streamlined footprint,” said Jeff Chochinov, senior product manager for RMS. “Our goal was to design a family of workstations that, in addition to being compact and aesthetically pleasing, would be easy to install and support, thereby allowing providers to devote more time and attention to patient care.”

The RMS Tandem Arm and Slim Line, both ergonomically designed wall-arm solutions, feature:

Dual pivot points for flexible screen positioning
Superior ergonomics
Hidden cables and concealed technology
Aesthetically pleasing professional appearance
Locking lift mechanism
Task light and work surface

The easy-to-install RMS Wall Cabinet Workstations are available in a variety of wood and metal finishes to complement any professional environment and feature:

Modular design for low lead times and low cost of ownership
Dedicated, ergonomic keyboard and mouse storage
Durable aluminum frame to protect from dents.
Clutter-free cable and technology storage
Task light and work surface with auto on/off

Chochinov added that all six RMS workstations would be available for demonstrations at HIMSS10 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, March 1 through 4, 2010, in Booth 1606.

All RMS products are backed by a best-in-class service guarantee that includes onsite service the next business day, service call backs within two hours, help desk support, and a dedicated Technical Account Manager and Field Engineer.

Dutch Healthcare Minister’s Review of Hospital’s New EPF Showcased RMS Computer Carts for European Press

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The Hauge, Netherlands -In December 2009, Healthcare Minister Klink, who is credited with introduction of electronic patient records in the Netherlands, visited Bronovo Hospital in The Hague to see Siemens’s Soarian Electronic Patient File (EPF) software in action. Since the hospital had chosen RMS rolling computer carts for this milestone project, they too shared the spotlight—and the resulting good publicity.
Press coverage focused on workflow demonstrations presented to the minister and his advisors by Bronovo’s project team leader. Advantages of the total solution, which included RMS carts to facilitate patient interactions, impressed the government officials.

Competition for this prestige project had been intense among every cart manufacturer and Dutch distributor. Bronovo’s project team had a clear view of what they wanted before beginning its three-year search. The ensuing comprehensive evaluation of 20 different carts on wheels resulted in selection of RMS computer carts from Newell’s Dutch distributor LogicalXL. According to a LogicalXL representative, RMS’s cart won the bid because of its design, best overall mechanical stability, expected durability and its easy integration with laptops. The Bronovo team also expressed their appreciation of how LogicalXL added value throughout the entire project.

News reports, accompanied by this photo of Dutch Healthcare Minister Klink watching the screen on top of our computer cart, ran in Dutch and other European publications.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Announces Increasing the Capacity to Care Nursing Award Winner

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Shands HealthCare at the University of Florida nurse recognized for commitment to improving patient care and workflow through the use of technology

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of mobile carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities , today announced that Karen Silvernell, RN, is the winner of its inaugural Increasing the Capacity of Care Nursing Award.

Pictured from left to right: Robb Litvak – RMS East Regional Manager, Karen Silvernell – RN, Keith Lemon – RMS Florida Sales Manager

The award, which was offered to nurses at Shands HealthCare at the University of Florida (Shands UF), enabled nurses to nominate colleagues through an online application process. Silvernell’s nomination showed that she is committed to the use of information technology to improve workflow and patient safety. Her dedication to developing an electronic Plan of Care that meets the needs of all ICU patient, willingness to be a resource for the staff during the implementation of the technology and efforts to have staff education completed on time were all factors that led to her selection.

“Nurses are such an integral part of any health system – they are the ones that interact with patients most often, and they need technology that will help them to do their job efficiently,” said Jeff Chochinov, Product Manager of RMS. “The dedication that the nurses at Shands UF have to technology was clear when we received all of the applications for this award. We applaud everyone at Shands UF who was nominated – especially Karen Silvernell – for their desire to improve all aspects of the health delivery system.”

“This award is especially exciting since the nomination comes from another nurse who has benefited from the technology we created,” said Silvernell. “I have been thrilled to see how this documentation system has improved our workflow and helped us meet patient needs. Knowing that I was instrumental in that process is a true reward.”

As the winner, Silvernell will receive a $500 American Express gift card. In addition, RMS will donate $500 in Silvernell’s name to the Shands UF Nursing Professional Development Fund.

Shands HealthCare at the University of Florida nurse recognized for commitment to improving patient care and workflow through the use of technology

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Huntersville, N.C., January 10, 2010— Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of mobile carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities , today announced that Karen Silvernell, RN, is the winner of its inaugural Increasing the Capacity of Care Nursing Award.

As the winner, Silvernell will receive a $500 American Express gift card. In addition, RMS will donate $500 in Silvernell’s name to the Shands UF Nursing Professional Development Fund.

Shands Healthcare System presents at HIMSS

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Shands Healthcare System, a Rubbermaid Medical Solutions client, will be presenting a HIMSS Pavilion Product Session in Chicago, April 5, 2009. The session, Building a blueprint for incorporating mobile technology into nurse workflow, will detail Shands Healthcare System’s implementation of mobile carts and how its IT staff took great measures to not only find technology designed specifically to simplify and streamline every-day processes, but to measure its impact on nursing workflow. Stop by our booth at HIMSS to learn more about how Rubbermaid Medical Solutions can impact your nursing workflow.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Announces Availability of High-Efficiency DC Power System for M38 Computing Cart Line

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Extended battery life, run-time aimed at increasing efficiencies and reducing costs for healthcare facilities

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of mobile carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, today announced the availability of the new DC Power System for its M38-00 and M38-01 computing carts. The system features a dual path power architecture that increases charge efficiency, resulting in a potential run-time of more than 12 hours.

“When developing this power system, our goal was to provide nurses with a premium performance product that ultimately gives them more time to focus on patients,” said Jeff Chochinov, senior product manager for RMS. “For IT staff, our dual path power architecture eliminates the frequent battery replacements required by single path power architecture – leading to longer battery life-expectancy and extended run time.”

Key features of the DC Power System include:

Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery that is recyclable, commonly available and costs less than $200
Lightweight design that weighs 16 percent less than a comparable AC Power System
“Run-time remaining” gauge that gives users an accurate timeframe for using the cart
“Some systems run on a Nickel Metal Hydride battery (NiMH), which can cost up to $1,000 to replace. By utilizing a SLA battery, we’ve significantly reduced the cost of purchasing replacements,” added Chochinov.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Unveils Life Cycle Management Services

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Planning, implementation, asset support and sustainability services offered to help hospitals maximize return on investment and clinical benefits of technology

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of mobile carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, today announced the availability of its new Life Cycle Management Services offering. This comprehensive set of services focus on the four key areas of the technology life cycle: planning, implementation, asset support and sustainability. Offered individually, the services are extended to all RMS product offerings, which include medication carts, wall mounted work stations, and transfer and exchange carts.

“Experienced decision makers understand that product selection needs to go beyond features and incorporate the total life cycle cost in order to maximize return on investment and clinical benefits of technology,” said Jeff Chochinov, senior product manager for RMS. “With many years of experience, we now have the broadest offering of services to maximize up-time and meet the unique life cycle needs of a particular facility.”

Key features of the Life Cycle Management Services offering include:

Planning services: Needs assessment, pilot programs, customization and project consulting/planning
Implementation services: Integration, unpacking, and user and technical training
Asset support services: Service plans, battery exchange, preventative maintenance and power system software
Sustainability services: Green disposal coordination for batteries, carts and product upgrades

The Life Cycle Management Services offering is supported by a best-in-class service guarantee that includes onsite service the next business day, service call backs within two hours, help desk support, and a dedicated Technical Account Manager and Field Engineer.

New Medication Expansion Pack Further Strengthens Rubbermaid Medical Solutions’ Mobile Computing Line

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Secure storage system helps hospitals and health systems maximize nursing efficiency and improve patient safety

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of mobile carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, today announced the launch of a Medication Expansion Pack for its M38 Mobile Computer Cart line. This secure storage system – which is available for the recently released M38 powered and non-powered computer carts - creates a "hybrid" of traditional computer and medication carts. With drawer configuration options between two and six, the Medication Expansion Pack supports recent legislation in California limiting patient to nurse ratios at 5-1 or less and offers patent pending on-the-go configurations.

"Our research shows there is a capacity and size gap between traditional computer and medication carts," said Jeff Chochinov, senior product manager for RMS. "One of the goals in creating this system was to eliminate that gap and provide a global platform that serves any part of a hospital."

Key features for the Medication Expansion Pack include:

Multiple drawer sizes and configurations to meet user and unit specific needs
Patent-pending drawer system allows on-the-go customization for changing patient ratios
Advanced keyless entry system with wireless PIN code management
Automatic drawer lock "time-out" for maximum security
Accommodations for most bar code scanners

"This system is particularly well-suited for bedside documentation, bar code medication administration and cart fill or cabinet-based medication delivery," added Chochinov.

All RMS products are backed by a best-in-class service guarantee that includes onsite service the next business day if needed, service call backs within two hours, help desk support, and a dedicated Technical Account Manager and Field Engineer.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Unveils Mini Med Module with Mounting Bracket for Motion Computing C5 MCA

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

New product extends the RMS line of mobile medication administration solutions

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the premier provider of medication carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, today announced the launch of the Mini Med Module with mounting bracket for the Motion Computing® C5 Mobile Clinical Assistant (MCA). For healthcare facilities that have purchased the Motion C5 MCA, this compact, lightweight medication cart enables nursing staff to leverage mobile technology at the point of care while also securely transporting medications for up to twelve patients.

“We are excited about this addition to our line of mobile medication administration solutions,” said Jeff Chochinov, senior product manager of RMS. “In addition to providing a secure method for dispensing medications at the bedside, this cart offers a convenient way to access and capture clinical data at the point of care, which is critical as the adoption of EMR systems, bar coding and other patient safety initiatives grow.”

Key features for the Mini Med Module with Motion C5 bracket include:

Compact 14” wide base enables cart to easily get to point of care
Electronic PIN code locking medication drawers with a timed auto-locking feature
Large bottom drawer for storing supplies or the C5 MCA when it is not in use
Work surface for medication preparation and a built-in waste container
Integrated cable management allows tablet to be charged on cart
Front and side handles for easy maneuvering in patient rooms
180° rotation of C5 MCA for convenient viewing angles

Other products in the RMS mobile medication administration line include AC-powered medication carts and medication carts for self-powered devices. The company also recently launched a new M38 Mobile Computer Cart line featuring powered, pre-wired and non-powered computer carts.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Launches New Mobile Computing Line

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Innovative features, ergonomic design enable nurse users to better meet the demands of today’s clinical environment

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), the leading provider of mobile carts and mobile computing solutions for healthcare facilities, today announced the launch of a new M38 Mobile Computer Cart line featuring a powered computer cart, pre-wired computer cart and non-powered computer cart. The new line further strengthens the overall RMS product offering, which also includes medication carts, wall mounted work stations, and transfer and exchange carts.

“Our development approach was simple – we wanted the mobile computing carts to be easy to move, easy to use and easy to customize,” said Jeff Chochinov, senior product manager for RMS. “We’ve accomplished that with this line, and are confident these carts will have a positive impact on nurse workflow and patient care, especially as hospitals move forward with patient safety initiatives like the adoption of bar code scanning at the point of care.”

Key features for the M38 Mobile Computer Cart line include:

Compact 17” x 17” base contoured to 14.5” wide at the center for easy maneuvering
Lightweight design starting at 70 lbs
Fully adjustable keyboard tray including 6” of height range, 180° swivel and -15° to +10° tilt.
Work surface has a 16” range of adjustable height with a total keyboard range of 22”
Contoured front handle that minimizes user strain when pushing cart
Document cover that protects reference documents placed on the work surface
Integrated keyboard light with auto shut-off feature for nighttime use
Multiple storage options including side bins, a wire basket and a drawer with keyless entry

M38 Mobile Computing Carts also offer IT staff the integration, support and maintenance capabilities needed for quick implementation in various healthcare settings. Powered carts are UL 60601-1 certified for patient point of contact; the pre-wired cart with computer holder includes power, USB and digital video connector cables pre-wired to shorten integration time. Power system software, which comes standard, enables IT staff to wirelessly manage and monitor power status across the entire cart fleet.

“Nurses are the primary users of these carts, but IT needs were also very much a priority during the development process,” added Chochinov.

Mobile Tech: One App at a Time

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Executives at Columbia, Md.-based Howard County General Hospital used a variety of criteria to select a wireless bedside specimen collection system last year.

They spent several months evaluating the cost, functionality and other customer implementations for five systems before choosing the MobiLab application from Iatrac Systems, Boxford, Mass. They also ensured the software could integrate with the 200-bed facility's hospital information system, from Medical Information Technology, Westwood, Mass.

Howard County executives, however, didn't do the same due diligence to select mobile hardware for the system. While the software is hardware "agnostic," executives decided to purchase the same PDAs, from Motorola Inc., Schaumburg, Ill., and mobile printers from Zebra Technologies Corp., Vernon Hills, Ill., that a few of the vendor's other customers use.

The specimen collection system, however, is the only application Howard County is using with the new mobile hardware. The facility's hospital information system doesn't support PDAs, so it doesn't have any other applications that can be used on the devices, Edwards says.

Howard County already uses other mobile devices that both systems can run on, such as mobile carts from Stinger Medical, Murfreesboro, Tenn. It also has other Symbol handheld devices tethered to the carts that nurses use to scan bar codes on patient wristbands and drugs during medication administration.

But the hospital didn't balk at purchasing new hardware just for the specimen collection system because it wanted to ensure a successful implementation, says Rick Edwards, senior director and CIO.

"We got favorable references on the devices from the vendor's other sites," Edwards says. "There also aren't a lot of PDAs and mobile printers on the market that are ruggedized and have the bar code scanners we needed for this application."

After implementing the specimen collection system, Howard County began an initiative to enhance its wireless network to better support its various mobile hardware and software. While he's looked into converging mobile technologies and strategies across the hospital, Edwards says it likely wouldn't work.

"It would be nice to standardize the PDAs and scanning devices we use," he says. "But because of the reality of the applications and how they work we haven't been able to do it."

Managing Multiple Devices

While many hospitals are deploying mobile hardware and software for various applications, most, like Howard County, haven't developed an enterprisewide strategy to bring them all together, many industry experts say. Even if they did, however, an enterprise game plan would be difficult to achieve -vendors offer mobile hardware, wireless infrastructure and clinical software that doesn't always play well together, says Cary Brown, senior consultant at Tower Strategies, a Houston-based consulting firm.

"Mobile applications should be driven by the vision of what you want to do and that usually starts with the software," he says. "So most mobile hardware decisions are driven by individual applications."

Disconnected mobile strategies can begin when organizations implement best-of-breed applications with various hardware requirements or clinicians balk at using standardized hardware and software that disrupts their workflow, Brown says.
"The usability of the application and the hardware itself is how most organizations choose their mobile technologies," Brown says. "But there's not one single device that does it all well."

For Howard County General Hospital, automating specimen collection was more important than keeping its number of mobile devices down. Its previous collection process, which involved printing labels at nursing stations before specimens were taken, sometimes resulted in mismatched or unlabeled specimens, says Edwards, the CIO.

Now clinicians use PDAs to access the MobiLab system and scan bar codes on patient wristbands to verify specimen collection. They also use the mobile printers to create matching bar code labels for the specimen containers - all at the point of care. And they use the PDAs to document that a specimen has been collected. The automated process has enabled Howard County to reduce specimen identification errors from 11 per month to one per month, Edwards says.

It also has found some ways to better manage the new PDAs and mobile printers. For example, since MobiLab also can be used on mobile carts, the hospital gave clinicians who already use the carts the option to access the application on it rather than a PDA. The decision enabled some clinicians to only use one device as well as helped the hospital keep hardware costs down.

"While they still have to set the mobile printers on their carts, we saved some money by not having to buy them PDAs as well," Edwards says. "That flexibility was in the software's favor."

Howard County also manages the mobile hardware by requiring clinicians to share devices and has multi-bay charging stations for them at various nursing stations, he adds.

For years, executives at William Beaumont Hospitals required nurses to use the same type of mobile hardware to simplify management and support. But they recently changed their strategy after concluding that one type of hardware didn't fit all clinical applications.

The Royal Oak, Mich.-based delivery system had required all nurses to carry the same type of pager to communicate with patients and other clinicians. A few years ago, it switched to a standard Wi-Fi phone from SpectraLink Corp., now part of Polycom Inc., Pleasanton, Calif., and integrated the mobile hardware with its various nurse call systems.

While nurses eagerly adopted the new phones, there was one application that wouldn't work with either mobile device.

William Beaumont Hospitals' centralized telemetry technicians used to page nurses when a patient's levels reached an alert status. Because there was no way to distinguish these alerts from other pages nurses received, they sometimes were ignored, says Kim Bonzheim, director of noninvasive cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation. The new Wi-Fi phones, however, didn't help because nurses still had to interrupt their workflow to answer them to determine what kind of call it was, she adds.

"Nurses really looked at the phones as big pagers," Bonzheim says. This wasn't helpful and nurses wanted a way to prioritize voice calls.

In March 2005, William Beaumont Hospitals began a pilot of a separate mobile device dedicated solely to telemetry alerts. Now it enables telemetry staff and nurses in three departments to communicate via wireless devices from Vocera Communications Inc., Cupertino, Calif. The mobile technology uses Wi-Fi badges attached to lanyards worn around the neck. The badges are embedded with voice recognition technology that enables clinicians to make and receive phone calls to other badges without using their hands.

Now instead of calling a nurse's mobile phone, telemetry technicians use a badge to call another badge that's been assigned to the patient's room. Badges are grouped by areas, and nurses log in by speaking the rooms they are covering.

Because the badges are used only for telemetry alerts, nurses always know the nature of the call and can answer without interrupting their workflow, Bonzheim says. The technology also automatically calls another badge or broadcasts an alert to all badges if a nurse hasn't responded to the original call in a predetermined amount of time.
And while some nurses now must carry wireless phones and wear a Vocera badge, the additional mobile device is helping them better prioritize their workflow, Bonzheim adds. Since implementing the second mobile device, the hospital decreased its telemetry alarm response time from 9.5 minutes to 37 seconds, she says.

"Our mobile hardware decision was application driven," she says. "The wireless badges were the only mobile technology that was hands free and had a built-in escalation path. That's been a huge time saver for us."

William Beaumont Hospitals has deployed about 100 Vocera badges so far and plans to enhance its wireless network to support additional ones in other departments that use telemetry. It's also working with Vocera and Waukesha, Wis.-based GE Healthcare, the vendor of its centralized telemetry system, to integrate their technologies so the telemetry application automatically can initiate a call to a Vocera badge during an alert.
I.T. Disconnect

While some hospitals are open to purchasing almost any type of mobile hardware or software that can improve clinical workflow, others have limited options. Cost, integration capabilities and I.T. resources are just a few of the factors that also can play into mobile purchasing decisions, says Gregg Malkary, managing director at Spyglass Consulting, Menlo Park, Calif.

"There are so many hardware options that could work for an application, but technology is just one component of it," he says. "Executive buy-in, training time and integration needs also factor into mobile purchases."

Additionally, while the advent of Web-enabled applications has enabled many clinical systems to run on a variety of mobile devices, most software hasn't been fully optimized for the capabilities of each device, Malkary says. So if executives choose hardware that can support a new application but doesn't inherently fit into clinical workflow, they could end up with a lot of unhappy users, he adds.

"There's a huge dividing line between clinical staff and I.T. staff," he says. "There are best practices for I.T. and different best practices for clinicians."

Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network included both clinical and I.T. staff in the three-year process to determine which emergency department information system it should purchase. But the Allentown, Pa.-based delivery system was limited in the type of hardware it could use with the application, from T-System Inc., Dallas.

Lehigh Valley serves as a licensed service center for mobile devices from Fujitsu Computer Systems Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif. So its executives wanted to use the vendor's notebook and Tablet PCs with the new ED system.

"The choice of hardware was easy," says Richard MacKenzie, M.D., chair of the emergency medicine department. "We have trained Fujitsu specialists on our I.T. staff and can trade out the hardware 24/7."

When Lehigh Valley implemented the emergency department software in mid-2005, it let clinicians decide whether they wanted to use a Fujitsu convertible Tablet or notebook PC with the application. Clinicians in one of its three emergency departments, however, also were given the option of using the system on Fujitsu notebook PCs mounted on mobile carts from Rubbermaid Medical Solutions, Winchester, Va., because there's more room to maneuver such large devices in that facility, MacKenzie says.
Most clinicians initially didn't like Tablet PCs and gravitated toward using notebook PCs. But after a few physician champions, including Susan Krieg, M.D., began praising the tablets, others began to jump on the bandwagon-so many that Lehigh Valley had to purchase more of the devices to keep up with physician demand.

"In terms of patient flow, the Tablet PC helps me because I can quickly jump from room to room and place orders on the fly," she says. "But if I wanted to covert it and use it with a keyboard, it would be ergonomically tough to type when you are with the patient. If you want to do bedside charting, you have to turn it into a tablet."

The TabletPCs also maintain a battery charge throughout an eight-hour shift, Krieg says. Further, while clinicians must share the devices, most non-emergency physicians don't want to use them, so Lehigh Valley doesn't have to worry about them leaving its emergency departments, she adds.

The ED software, however, functions well no matter if physicians enter data via a keyboard or the pen capabilities on a Tablet PC, says MacKenzie, the chair of Lehigh Valley's emergency department. He and other clinical staff chose the software for this mobile functionality so they could document at the bedside, he adds. They also chose the software because of its ability to integrate with the admission/ discharge/transfer application within the delivery system's HIS, from GE Healthcare, and its Sunquest lab system, now owned by San Francisco-based Vista Equity Partners.

The emergency department information system's reporting functions, however, aren't as sophisticated as some of the other applications Lehigh Valley evaluated, MacKenzie says. But its mobile capabilities outweighed such shortcomings, he adds.
Customized Mobility

Executives at The Dialysis Center of Lincoln Inc. ensured the mobile hardware and software it planned to use for a new telemedicine initiative had the features it wanted by participating in the technology design process.

Last year, after testing a mobile cart from Flo Healthcare, Norcross, Ga., the eight physician, Lincoln, Neb.-based provider organization approached the vendor about customizing other devices to be used for telemedicine.

"We liked the carts but we wanted to make them multifunctional," says Larry Emerson, CEO. "We had the ability to experiment and a willingness to spend a little money to try something new."

The vendor equipped three mobile carts with video conferencing hardware and software from PolyCom Inc., Pleasanton, Calif. The integrated system comprises a video recording device, videoconferencing software, a digital converter, a remote control and a power unit.

The Dialysis Center executives, however, had a few other requirements for the integrated technology. Because they wanted physicians to be able to conduct full patient exams via the new carts, they had the vendor switch to a 19-inch monitor rather than the 17-inch one that came with the original carts. In addition, executives declined to equip the carts with Tablet or notebook PCs because they wanted a larger screen than either device could offer.

They also had the vendor change the power supply on the carts to AC from DC because the video conferencing technology ran on the former standard and executives didn't want to manage two different types of batteries. Additionally, executives had the vendor ensure the new carts also could be used to access The Dialysis Center's electronic health records system, from London-based Clinical Computing Inc.
After the facility received the customized mobile carts, it still had to fix some other issues before they could be used for the telemedicine initiative, Emerson says. For example, each cart's AC battery only powered the computer on the unit; the video conferencing station on the cart had to be plugged into an electrical outlet. In addition, a local technology services vendor, Kidwell Companies, also in Lincoln, was brought in to enhance The Dialysis Center's wireless network to better support the carts and video conferencing software.

"We went back and forth with some of the technological issues," Emerson says. "But we now have a mobile cart with a video conferencing station."

Last June, The Dialysis Center deployed one new mobile cart at its main facility and the other two at its rural locations. Physicians at the main location use the video recording device-which has pan and zoom capabilities-to view patients on dialysis at the other locations. Nurses at the rural locations move the units to help physicians see patients better. Physicians also can access and enter data into the organization's EHR while seeing a patient, which offers them some added decision support and efficiency, Emerson says.

"We're trying to understand when it's appropriate to use this for a patient visit," he says. "It really helps our physicians do things better and replaces personal rounding. But we don't think this should always replace a direct onsite visit. It's just an option."

Sidebar

Converged network offers more options
Memorial Health System has cobbled together various wireless hardware and software across its 100-year-old main facility. But when the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based delivery system broke ground on a second hospital, I.T. leaders wanted to ensure wireless applications at the new facility were more manageable.
So before the 98-bed hospital opened last April, they implemented the Carescape Enterprise Access converged network system from GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wis. The application also is marketed as the Universal Wireless Network from MobileAccess Networks, Vienna, Va.
It's designed to redistribute an organization's various wireless signals, including paging, cellular, telemetry, Wi-Fi and radio frequency identification, over a single infrastructure to offer improved signal strength and easier management.
"At our central location it's been build, unbuild and rebuild over the past 100 years," says Bob Barrett, director of information services. "So we thought it would be much easier to implement a distributed system that would enable us to run various applications over a single infrastructure rather than a variety of ones."
Now Memorial Health System's new hospital runs the same mobile technology as its flagship location, but I.T. staff can manage it better and is in a better position to add additional applications when clinicians need them. For example, clinicians at the new hospital now have improved Wi-Fi access to an electronic health records system, from Cerner Corp., Kansas City, Mo., than those at the flagship hospital, and they have more reliable connectivity via mobile carts, multiple types of mobile phones from different carriers and the enterprise paging system. Memorial Health System plans to install the converged mobile network technology at its flagship hospital.
The new hospital also began a pilot wireless medication administration initiative with mobile computers from Hand Held Products Inc., Skaneateles Falls, N.Y. Additionally, it's testing RFID technology from InnerWireless, Richardson, Texas, to track wheelchairs and other supplies.
The converged network's capabilities also have Memorial Health System executives looking at other wireless technologies, including mobile phones that run on both Wi-Fi and cellular networks and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, or WIMAX, applications.
"The reason for using the Enterprise Access is that over time, we won't have to have a separate infrastructure built for new applications," Barrett says. "We just have to put the right module in rather than running more wiring. The money that we have spent has given us better coverage for existing applications and set us into the future for any other wireless applications we might need."

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Launches Mini-Med Module to Pair with Motion C5 Tablet

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS) is partnering with Motion Computing (www.motioncomputing.com) to provide an ultra-small form factor medication cart for use with the C5 Tablet PC. The Mini-Med Module securely transports medications for up to 8 patients, and provides secure storage of the C5 device.

“The launch of the Motion C5 Tablet at HIMSS 2007 has re-energized interest in the handheld device. As providers determine the role of the C5 in their medication management systems, our goal at RMS is to provide a small, lightweight support platform to address open issues such as medication security, nursing workflow and security of the C5 device,” according to Jeff Chochinov, Senior Product Manager at RMS.

“We are excited with the flexibility the Motion C5 provides our clients,” states Gary Scott, GM/VP of Rubbermaid Medical Solution. “However, the most common concern we hear from our clients is the need to satisfy Joint Commission guidelines on secure medication transport all the way to the bedside. Our Mini does this job at a great price point.”

The Mini Medication Cart Module (Mini-Med Module) from RMS will be available for shipping in October 2007. Configurations include both a 12-drawer model for high capacity needs, and an 8-drawer model that includes a large storage bin for the Motion C5 when the tablet is not in use. Both models provide electronic PIN code access to medications/tablet storage with a timed auto-lock.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Launches Ultra-Small Mobile Computing Platform

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS) will begin production in October 2007 of a new, ultra-small mobile computing platform. These new healthcare carts build on the company’s leadership position in acute care mobile medication carts. The goal of the new product line is to bring best-in-class features to both nursing and information technology professionals.
With the launch of this new platform, RMS now has the capability of providing a full suite of mobile cart solutions for all areas of the acute care health system. The Medication Cart platform, now in its third generation, is well-suited for areas of the hospital that are medication and supply intensive: Med/Surg, ICU, Respiratory. The Computing Cart platform will now satisfy needs in other areas, such as ED, PACU, L&D, Ambulatory and the OR.

“Our market research indicated several unique areas to focus our product design efforts,” said Jeff Chochinov, Senior Product Manager at RMS. “Foremost was the overall usability of the cart, specifically ergonomics. While competitive products claim to be ergonomic merely by including height adjustment, we discovered several other areas of improvement – including handle design, keyboard flexibility and use of lighter weight structural components to improve the nursing experience.”

IT professional feedback has been overwhelmingly positive to date. Kevin Boyle, Product Manager with RMS, has found that, “Our decision to pre-wire the cart for ease of integration is a huge hit with support personnel. Time is money, and initial feedback from clients indicates that our carts will save 1-2 hours per cart in setup time.”

RMS’ Computing Cart platform will be offered with the same best-in-class service and support offered on the company’s Medication Cart line. Standard service includes next business day resolution, including an on-site technician when required.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Partners with Tech Force for Best-in-Class Product Support Program

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS) announced a partnership with Tech Force (www.techforce.net) to serve as the primary service resource for the company’s line of mobile computing and medication carts. In conjunction with this announcement, RMS will be providing next business day service for all standard service issues.

“We are excited to have Tech Force on board with us,” said Brandi Lasco, Service Coordinator for RMS. “Mobile computing cart companies have traditionally fallen down on post-sale support, and Tech Force’s expertise and nationwide field engineer network will allow us to drastically improve the model.”

Tech Force will be providing RMS’ clients with overnight parts shipping and on-site technicians the next business day when required. The service system is web-based, which allows RMS to track service performance and product quality by serial number/production date. This information enables the company to more quickly identify service trends that need to be addressed in product design or engineering.

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions Relocates Division Headquarters to Charlotte-Area Campus

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions (RMS), a division of Newell Rubbermaid, Inc (NYSE: NWL) is relocating its headquarters to Huntersville, North Carolina. Other Newell divisions headquartered in Huntersville include Rubbermiad Home Products, Rubbermaid Foodservice Products, Irwin Industrial Tools, BernzOmatic and Shur-Line.

The move is a strong signal to the market that Newell Rubbermaid is committed to the healthcare market place. Rubbermaid Medical Solutions will continue to build on the brand’s history of innovation and quality with a focus on providing advantages in caregiver workflow and improving the integration of technology into the patient care process.