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The Computer Cart OR the Wall-Mounted Workstation
The Computer Cart OR the Wall-Mounted Workstation

A Point-by-Point Comparison Must-Ask Questions
Mobility / Convenience

Computer
CARTS

Computer Workstations
WALL-MOUNTED
  • Can roll into the room and be used at point of care, assuming no infection control issues
  • Can obstruct hallways posing fire hazards or building code issues
  • Mobile nature is more susceptible to theft / misplacement
  • Limited computer equipment and must be matched to the cart.
  • Options available and limited customization
  • Heavy and cumbersome at over 100 lbs.
  • Pushing from room to room slows walking and fatigues staff quickly
  • Permanently placed at the point of care or anywhere access to information is needed
  • Small footprint that folds up to within inches of the wall
  • Found where you left them; no risk of misplacement 
  • Wide and sturdy work surface  
  • Custom built around computer equipment for a perfect fit.  
  • Easily accommodates large monitors
  • Optional lockable storage area for medications and supplies
  • Studies show that workstations strategically placed in or near patient rooms can reduce nurse walking distances by 50-80%.

Security – Equipment & Information

Computer
CARTS

Computer Workstations
WALL-MOUNTED
  • Mobile nature makes carts more susceptible to theft
  • Equipment exposed on cart
  • Patient information is always exposed and visible to passersby
  • Less secure wireless networks must be used
  • Permanently mounted to the wall, making it less susceptible to theft
  • Equipment secured behind retractable, lockable work surface.
  • Patient information secured because work surface folds up to cover monitor when not in use.

Support and Maintenance

Computer
CARTS

Computer Workstations
WALL-MOUNTED
  • Equipment is more susceptible to incidental damage because it is mobile
  • Battery cycles are limited & must be re-charged
  • Larger monitors and faster computers reduce battery life
  • Computer equipment choices limited
  • Wireless network required/connective problems
  • Mobile with moving parts that are susceptible to incidental damage makes carts higher maintenance
  • Equipment is less susceptible to incidental damage because it remains in a static location
  • Has no batteries to replace/recharge
  • Able to accommodate a wider range of computer equipment
  • Can be used with hardwired or wireless networks
  • Few moving parts, sturdy and durable and virtually maintenance free

Safety and Hygine

Computer
CARTS

Computer Workstations
WALL-MOUNTED
  • Sharp corners are easily caught by equipment and personnel
  • Obstructive & poses fire code issues
  • Infection control difficult because of mobile nature
  • Risk of tipping or bumping into objects or people
  • Exposed wiring creates hazard
  • Height adjustability available
  • Safety training needed
  • Rounded corners are less likely to be caught by equipment or personnel
  • Very small footprint; closes to within inches of the wall when not in use and can also be recessed.
  • Easy to clean and stationary so risk of spreading infection reduced
  • Fewer work-related injuries
  • Hidden wiring is safer
  • Height adjustability available
  • No safety training needed

Economics

Computer
CARTS

Computer Workstations
WALL-MOUNTED
  • Less up-front expense – however more expensive as time passes
    • Maintenance costs higher
    • Recharging/replacing batteries presents a cost in loss of  productivity
    • Equipment is generally of All-In-One nature & more expensive
    • Equipment is more expensive because of special needs (wireless, sizing, etc.)
    • Overall breakdown occurs more often
    • Theft occurs more often due to mobility
  • Extra carts required to use while others are being recharged
  • Additional entry points (carts) required for multiple users
  • Staff efficiency may decrease from walking required to locate carts, etc.
  • Greater expensive up-front – however, less expensive overall
    • Virtually maintenance free
    • No need to power-down computer – work surface closes to cover monitor
    • Wall-mounts customized to fit existing and future equipment
    • A wider range of computer equipment can be accommodated
    • Wall-mounts are designed to last many years
    • Theft generally not a problem
  • Staff efficiency may increase because placing information and technology at the point of care improves efficiency, reduces staff fatigue and increases patient interaction.
Considering Computer Carts or Wall-mounted Computer Workstations for your Institution?

Proximity Systems is happy to answer your questions and help ensure you are making the best   long-term decision for your institution. Below are some questions to consider asking your vendors when determining the best solution for you

What is the cost of a cart?  What is the cost of the wall mount?

  • Initial cost?
  • Maintenance cost (yearly)?
    • Battery cost and life
    • Parts
    • Labor
  • Is a wireless network required? Maintenance of wireless network?
  • Operating Cost?
    • Time to return cart to recharging area and time to recharge?
    • Walking time?
    • Walking rate?

How many units are required?

  • Consider wall mounts - one per room, plus other points of access.
  • Number of carts - number of rooms, points of access required at one time for others beside the nurse, can cart be used while battery is recharging?

How much does a cart weigh?  Does this affect walking time and fatigue?

What codes are relevant?  How does this affect carts; wall mounts?

Is space an issue?  What are the constraints of a wall mount? Of a cart?

Is the ability to swivel toward the patient important? Does the wall mount have this feature?

Is height adjustment important? Is the unit height adjustable?

Is the unit easy to clean? Will it meet infection control standards?

Will the cart or wall mount handle the equipment you want to use?  Will it handle all the equipment you want to use?

Will the cart or wall mount be secure?

How large is the work area of the unit?

Now or in the future, will you put medication at the bedside?

Testimonials

“When a new wing was built in our hospital, we looked for an integrated solution to replace Computers on Wheels and medicine cabinets. Nurses told us that the carts were too heavy and difficult to navigate around corridors and hallways. Keeping the carts charged was also a challenge. We have been really pleased with Proximity. Everything is together in one location, medication is at the right height and the digital lock keeps medication secure, yet makes it easy for authorized personnel to access it when needed at the bedside.”

--Wilson Chu,
Pharm.D.
Manager of Pharmacy Services
Sunrise Hospital

“In addition to desktop computers, we have a mix of Proximity wall mounted systems and Computers on Wheels (COWS) in our medical center. Proximity charting stations can be mounted in patient rooms (as well as in hallways), making information available when and where it is needed. Fire codes prohibit leaving mobile carts in hallways when not in use and they must be stored in a designated area on the nursing unit, which is not always convenient. Some of our nurse managers tell me they wish they had purchased more Proximity wall mounted work stations and fewer COWS.”

--Raye Lawing,
RN Clinical Support Analyst
AnMed Health

Interested in learning more?
Download a White Paper, Carts vs. Wall-mounts: Point of Care Options for the Healthcare Industry.
Visit the Resources page to download.

Is the wall-mounted computer workstation a better solution for you than the computer cart? Then call us at 1-800-403-1752 or contact us via email for a complimentary consultation on building units for your hospital or clinic.