Author - wphungerford

Nursing Simulation Lab Using Barcode Scanner and EMR Cart

Realistic Nursing Simulation Labs

We have been working with a variety of nursing schools across the US outfitting labs with computer carts, medical carts, and equipment to create a realistic training environment for up-and-coming nurses and medical assistants.

A simulation center, which consist of realistic looking clinical lab rooms, manikins, and equipment, allow learners to practice and development clinical expertise without any risk of patient harm. We can help provide safe and realistic scenarios for students to learn from which help to build self-confidence, practice skills, and collaborate with faculty and other nursing students in a safe environment.

Healthcare is about delivering transformational care in clinics and acute care settings. Simulation labs give students real world experience with real computer carts and medication delivery carts which students will use in their new careers. Paired with an EHR system for simulated patient care, will provide an immersive learning experience for healthcare practitioners and students.

“Convergint has been outfitting simulation labs for many years, with a variety of carts based on the needs of your unique training program.”

Is your school working with:

  • Federal or State grants
  • EHRTutor.com
  • Real medical equipment
  • Realistic Manikins
  • Mock hospital room

If so, IMS (now Convergint) has been outfitting simulation labs for many years, with a variety of carts based on the needs of your unique training program. We can provide turn-key solutions that include washable keyboard/mouse and an All-In-One PC to allow for quick setup and deployment.

Choose from customizable carts that can include locking or non-locking drawers which simulate medication delivery, barcode scanner mounts, to teach proper barcode scanning, and medication distribution protocols. Our carts provide a great space for laptops or computers with monitors to teach electronic charting.

We look forward to helping you set up your nursing simulation lab.


Medical Equipment & Healthcare Solutions

Connect with Convergint at (800) 968-3135 to learn more about our commitment to delivering exceptional results to our customers through unparalleled customer service.

Ergonomic Medical Equipment Hospital Carts

Ergonomic Medical Equipment: Enhancing Patient Care

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, technology plays a pivotal role in improving patient care and streamlining medical processes. Among the many technological advancements, computer mounting systems and medical carts have emerged as indispensable tools for healthcare professionals. These versatile solutions offer a myriad of benefits, ranging from ergonomic advantages to enhanced patient care experiences. Let’s delve into the multifaceted advantages of computer mounting stations and carts in healthcare settings, emphasizing their ergonomic significance and impact on patient care quality.

The Ergonomic Advantage

Ergonomics, the science of designing and arranging objects to fit the human body and its movements, is of paramount importance in healthcare. The well-being of healthcare professionals, who often spend long hours working on computers, directly affects patient care. Computer mounting stations and carts are designed with ergonomics in mind, and here's how they benefit healthcare workers:

Adjustability: Ergonomic computer carts and mounting stations offer height and angle adjustments, allowing healthcare professionals to customize their workstation to suit their comfort. This adaptability minimizes strain on the neck, back, and shoulders, reducing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs).

Mobility: Mobile computer carts or workstations on wheels (WOW’s), facilitate easy movement within the healthcare facility, ensuring that medical professionals can reach patients promptly. This mobility also prevents the need for prolonged static postures, promoting better circulation and reducing the likelihood of discomfort or injury.

Space Efficiency: Compact design and efficient cable management systems reduce clutter around workstations, enhancing the overall workspace. This not only improves access to patient information but also reduces the risk of tripping hazards.

User-Friendly Interfaces: Ergonomic carts and mounting stations feature user-friendly interfaces, including height adjustment controls, screen tilt, and easy access to peripherals. These features simplify tasks for healthcare workers, reducing cognitive load and enhancing productivity.

Enhancing Patient Care

While ergonomic considerations are crucial for healthcare professionals, the ultimate goal is to enhance patient care. Computer mounting stations and carts contribute significantly to this endeavor in several ways:

Real-time Access to Patient Data: Healthcare workers can access patient records, test results, and medical histories instantly, improving the accuracy and speed of diagnosis and treatment. This access to critical information directly translates to better patient care.

Enhanced Communication: These stations enable seamless communication among healthcare providers, fostering collaboration and quick decision-making. Interdisciplinary teams can share information and coordinate care plans efficiently, leading to more comprehensive patient care.

Medication Management: Computer carts often include secure compartments for medications and equipment. This ensures that medications are stored safely and can be administered accurately, reducing the risk of medication errors.

Telehealth and Telemedicine: In an age of telehealth, computer mounting stations facilitate virtual consultations and remote monitoring of patients. This technology extends healthcare services to remote or underserved areas, improving patient access to care.

Patient Education: Healthcare professionals can use computers to educate patients about their conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures. This empowers patients to make informed decisions and take an active role in their healthcare.

Efficient Documentation: Electronic health records (EHRs) can be updated promptly at the point of care using computer carts. This reduces paperwork, minimizes errors, and ensures that patient information is consistently up to date.

“As healthcare continues to evolve, the role of technology in promoting better patient care and outcomes will only become more significant, making computer mounting stations and other patient care equipment indispensable assets in hospitals and healthcare facilities worldwide.”

Improving Patient Experience

The patient experience is a critical aspect of healthcare, and computer mounting stations and carts can positively influence it in several ways:

Reduced Wait Times: Faster access to information and more efficient care coordination means reduced wait times for patients. This can alleviate anxiety and frustration, contributing to a more positive experience.

Personalized Care: With instant access to patient records, healthcare providers can tailor their care plans to individual patient needs. This personalization fosters trust and confidence in the healthcare system.

Better Informed Decisions: Patients appreciate healthcare providers who can explain their conditions and treatment options thoroughly. Computer stations enable healthcare professionals to share visual aids and educational materials, enhancing patient understanding.

Privacy and Security: Our computer cart solutions use locking PC compartments to keep computers and laptops secure. They provide a secure, modular space to accommodate future technology changes such as a new PC or laptop, any new technology added on, and plenty of cable management room to store it all. Other options include single sign-on device mounting or locking cables for “tabletop” style laptop carts.

Efficiency and Accuracy: Efficient use of technology leads to fewer errors and smoother processes. Patients are more likely to trust a healthcare system that operates efficiently and delivers accurate care.

Computer mounting stations and medical carts have become integral components of modern healthcare, serving as ergonomic workstations that enhance patient care experiences. These versatile tools offer numerous benefits, from ergonomic advantages that protect healthcare workers' well-being to improved patient care quality and enhanced patient experiences.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the role of technology in promoting better patient care and outcomes will only become more significant, making computer mounting stations and other ergonomic medical equipment indispensable assets in hospitals and healthcare facilities worldwide.


Medical Equipment & Healthcare Solutions

Connect with Convergint at (800) 968-3135 to learn more about our commitment to delivering exceptional results to our customers through unparalleled customer service.

Top 10 Healthcare Trends in 2022

Top 10 Healthcare Trends in 2022

1.) There are now 784,626 healthcare businesses in the United States alone, and this figure is constantly increasing.

The US boasts the biggest healthcare system globally, and its increasing business numbers and revenue. According to PolicyAdvice, Patient care accounts for $1.068 trillion or 64% of the US’s healthcare revenue. Meanwhile, inpatient care, which includes skilled nursing rehabilitation and non-surgical dental interventions, makes up 4.49% and 2.98%, respectively.

2.) Healthcare is the third-largest industry in the U.S.

Since 2020, healthcare spending has accounted for 19.7% of the U.S. economy, which was a dramatic increase from 5% just 60 years ago. According to Zippia, this growth represents a range of factors, from new healthcare treatments and services to better coverage, higher utilization, and rising prices across many of the industry’s sectors.

3.) The use of digitalization in healthcare institutions is promoted by 92% of suppliers of various healthcare solutions.

Digitalization in healthcare helps to reduce costs, increase productivity, and avoid time-restricted diagnoses. The rise of digitalization promotion makes it a great time to invest in digital healthcare trends and equipment. According to PolicyAdvice, Experts predict a massive acceleration of digital technology in healthcare, which includes cloud computing, data security, and other tools.

4.) One in seven people (14%) who used telehealth said they would have sought care in an emergency department or urgent care if telehealth was not available.

This survey conducted showcased that access to telehealth effectively kept people out of the emergency department. More than half of those 14% of people who used telehealth had their primary health issue resolved.

5.) The average healthcare employee earns $60,976 a year in the US.

According to health statistics, healthcare is the largest source of employment in the U.S..) employing an average of 1 in 8 citizens. The health industry is also one of the highest paying industries, reaching well above the national average ($47,060).

“It’s important to keep up on relevant news stories, information, and press releases to stay informed and update processes as the industry continues to change and grow.”

6.) Healthcare is the largest and fastest-growing industry.

Healthcare is the largest and fastest-growing industry in the U.S. and globally. It is predicted that between 2020 and 2030 employment in healthcare occupations is expected to grow by at least 16%.

7.) As of 2020, one-third of U.S. adults had a telehealth visit for themselves or a dependent.

As digitalization is on the rise, so are telehealth and telemedicine. Telehealth visits are rapidly becoming more popular, and the growth in telehealth users is expected to boom within the years to come.

8.) 86% of physicians believe data interoperability will significantly cut the time to diagnosis.

Physicians recognize the importance of having the right information at the right time. According to Google, virtually all physicians (96%) agree that easier access to critical information may help save a patient’s life and 95% believe increased data interoperability will ultimately help improve patient outcomes. For more information on our telehealth products click here.

9.) According to U.S. adults, factors that are important when interacting with healthcare include:

  • Ease of access to care (89%)
  • Privacy (89%)
  • Data security (88%)
  • Getting personalized care (88%)
  • Having a care provider close to home or work (85%)
  • Healthcare costs (85%)
  • Coordination among all healthcare providers (84%)
  • Being able to monitor their own health (75%)
  • Access to a health coach (68%)

10.) The most common purpose for a telehealth visit was a preventive service, prescription refill, or routine visit for a chronic illness (63%).

As virtual visits continue to increase in popularity, they’re becoming more common for simplistic and routine visits.

The healthcare industry will continue to grow and evolve daily, as will the trends, technology, and statistics. It’s important to keep up on relevant news stories, information, and press releases to stay informed and update processes as the industry continues to change and grow.


Medical Equipment & Healthcare Solutions

Connect with Convergint at (800) 968-3135 to learn more about our commitment to delivering exceptional results to our customers through unparalleled customer service.

Low Bidder Convergint Customer Service

Want Your House Built by the Low Bidder?

If you build a home, do you solicit bids and then simply award the work to the lowest bidder? It may seem like a good idea in the short term, but what about a few years from now? To keep bids low.

  • Did they cut corners to complete the job?
  • Are they new to the business and trying to establish a name for themselves?
  • Do they have a work crew they are just trying to keep busy, so they don’t go to work elsewhere?
  • Are they not in tune with the market enough to really understand what it takes to do the job right?
  • Or is the low bidder happy to take your money today and not worry about problems later?

Determining the Best Value

Of course, we don’t want to overpay and award work to the highest bidder, so what do we really want? Aren't we really looking for the best value for our dollar giving us the lowest long-term cost of ownership? This means the work is done to a quality standard so that repairs are down the road, and the functionality is well above average. But how do we determine the best value and lowest long-term cost of ownership?

  • First, look at experience. One can logically conclude that if we had a positive or negative experience with something then that pattern will repeat itself
  • Problems often come with measurements and budgets
  • How can a product cost 10% more, last 20% longer and still be a competitively priced and cost justified?
  • Budgets don’t factor longevity of a product/project. Spend today and let someone else deal with the problems of tomorrow including replacing something in a couple years

How does this apply to Convergint-Innovative Medical? Let’s take mobile computing carts as an example. If the purchase of mobile computing carts goes out for bid, often the cart with the lowest purchase price is selected. In a true market economy, this translates to lower quality. Never mind the so-called intangible or soft dollar components that add value to the device and tangibly increase the life span along with improving the end user’s experience.

“Is the low bid product, which may look good for the current budget, really the best decision for the long term?”

Customer Service from Convergint

Convergint-Innovative Medical has always intended to bring the most long-term value to customers. For mobile computing carts/WOWs/workstations on wheels, this means we have always provided:

  • High quality products – selected to be among the best in class
  • Pre-sales assistance defining the best product and accessories for the situation
  • On-site demonstrations and an evaluation period to ensure the solution fits – “try before you buy”
  • Product delivery ownership, coordination, and communication
  • Initial hardware & peripheral integration when needed for larger deployments to preserve internal resources
  • Preventative maintenance plans designed to proactively avoid trouble rather than reacting to it so devices are available
  • Break-fix service both on-site and remote with unlimited business hour phone support
  • Accessory add-ons and modifications to keep the WOWs current with other components of the workflow

The real question is, is the low bid product, which may look good for the current budget, really the best decision for the long term?


Medical Equipment & Healthcare Solutions

Connect with Convergint at (800) 968-3135 to learn more about our commitment to delivering exceptional results to our customers through unparalleled customer service.

Enhanced Infection Control Labor Delivery Furniture

Enhanced Infection Control

With the increased focus on infection control within the hospital environment, every little detail counts. There is no better time than the present to increase your ability to control the spread of infection than with a medical cart that has antimicrobial properties built into the materials it is made from. These antimicrobial properties have never been more important than with the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Consider all the surfaces encountered during a busy day in the hospital. A medical supply cart can be one of the most highly touched and infected surfaces which a medical professional can encounter. If you are continually wiping these surfaces down and they are not fluid resistant, (e.g., wood) these surfaces can break down and absorb fluids, which is not acceptable in a healthcare setting.

Convergint Innovative Medical is always looking for products optimally designed for use in the hospital, and our cart manufacturer has brought us something unique, an Antimicrobial Polymer cart material.

“Antimicrobial Polymer material can be made into any configuration of cart, bassinet, or cabinet you may need. We offer standard configurations and specializes in cost-effectively tailoring these carts to your specific workflow. ”

Antimicrobial Polymer is a very strong, scratch-resistant, color-through material with antimicrobial properties built into the material. It is easy to clean and stands up to all hospital germicidal solutions. This polymer is FDA-approved and LEED qualified.

These days, the labor and delivery environment is expected to “look like home” as much as it is expected to manage ever-growing technology. We offer solutions that perform reliably against the demands of the 24/7/365 healthcare ecosystem.

Antimicrobial Polymer material can be made into any configuration of cart, bassinet, or cabinet you may need. Convergint Innovative Medical offers standard configurations and specializes in cost-effectively tailoring these carts to your specific workflow. Or we can custom design cart solutions to minimize error-prone ‘work arounds’ as well as integrating with LDR(P) room design or hospital décor.

We are happy to work with you to find a perfect solution for your antimicrobial cart needs!


Medical Equipment & Healthcare Solutions

Connect with Convergint at (800) 968-3135 to learn more about our antimicrobial and infection control offerings.

Preventing Downtime on Mobile Computer Carts

Preventing Downtime on Mobile Computer Carts

What is the best way to reduce the likelihood of equipment failing? Preventive maintenance. It is tough, if not impossible, to commit already-strained IT resources to work on mobile computer carts or Workstation on Wheels (WOWs) when an issue arises, let alone plan preventive maintenance. A Preventive Maintenance (PM) project has many benefits though. It is an investment that can alleviate workstation downtime, reduce the number of IT help desk tickets, and elongate the life of the cart.

Convergint Innovative Medical has a team of manufacturer-certified service technicians located throughout the U.S. that come onsite with a spare parts kit and customer-specified upgrade parts needed to replace worn parts before they fail. The project includes a top-to-bottom review of carts to tighten screws/bolts, replace worn/broken parts, manage cables, wipe down the cart for an aesthetic improvement, and thoroughly clean the power system.

“By simply performing regular maintenance and care on these carts they still perform at optimal levels and meet 24/7 clinical demands.”

Cleaning the power system has always been part of the Convergint Innovative Medical plan but now it is also the recommendation of the FDA per their news release, December 2016, for reducing the likelihood of a Lithium battery and power inverter overheating event.

Cleaning the dust from the inverter and air filter not only reduces the likelihood of an overheating issue, but it also prolongs the life of the entire power system by allowing it to run at a cooler temperature with proper ventilation. Dust buildup is the main cause of overheating and premature failure of the power inverter and battery, two of the most expensive components of the cart.

Replacing worn or broken parts increases workstation availability when a clinician needs it which in turn increases clinician efficiency and satisfaction when time is not spent searching for a functional cart or submitting a service request. It also reduces the number of help desk tickets, alleviating strain on the IT staff and need for additional resources.

Having carts tuned up keeps them looking and running well. The Convergint Innovative Medical service team has customer carts that are still in service after nearly ten years. By simply performing regular maintenance and care on these carts they still perform at optimal levels and meet 24/7 clinical demands.

Our cart projects can also include swapping out defective keyboards, mice, barcode scanners, or upgrading to a larger size display. Because our technicians get their hands on each cart at a facility, it is an optimal time to perform any upgrades or parts replacement that had been put off. We have solutions for upgrading to dual displays or adding storage drawers. The Convergint Innovative Medical Service Team can perform as much or little work to the cart fleet as desired.


Medical Equipment & Healthcare Solutions

Connect with Convergint at (800) 968-3135 to learn more about our commitment to delivering exceptional results to our customers through unparalleled customer service.

Vaccine Carts Medical Cart Convergint

Vaccine Carts – Highly Mobile & Customizable

Are you looking for solutions to meet the high demand for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout? We have mobile solutions available to quickly set up vaccine stations without taxing your current carts and equipment. These solutions provide your team a dedicated place to administer injections, testing and data-entry record keeping.

Our Medical Grade Vaccine Carts are available in powered or non-powered models, all with sit-to-stand capabilities. Options can include lockable storage drawers and baskets for supplies, sharps disposal containers, sani-wipe holders, waste bins, hand sanitizer holders, and other accessories to meet your workflow needs. The carts arrive fully assembled ready to add your technology and deploy into action.

“We have provided thousands of carts for hundreds of facilities and can help find the perfect solution to meet your needs too.”

With Federal funding grants available, our affordable vaccine stations can be re-purposed after the pandemic to use for charting and bedside data-entry.

Our customers include hospitals, healthcare agencies, clinics, pharmacies, and even temporary outdoor clinics for both COVID testing and vaccinating. Convergint has over 30 years of experience in finding solutions for our customers, and meeting the needs of healthcare professionals. We have provided thousands of carts for hundreds of facilities and can help find the perfect solution to meet your needs too.


Medical Equipment & Healthcare Solutions

Connect with Convergint at (800) 968-3135 to learn more about our commitment to delivering exceptional results to our customers through unparalleled customer service.

Customer Service Convergint Innovative Medical Systems

Just An Ordinary Day

Finding good customer service is tough. It is a challenge just navigating maze-like automated phone systems, much less finding a live person who will go above and beyond to help. So when you see exceptional service you want to shout it from the treetops. In this case, I wanted to tell you a little about two of my colleagues at IMS (now Convergint).

They are the kind of individuals who do whatever they need to do to get the job done, and going above and beyond is just part of their day. They NEVER-EVER expect any recognition. Today, I want to recognize their commitment to go above and beyond and shout it from the blogosphere!

“Outstanding customer service is something that Convergint takes seriously and our commitment to serve you is unwavering.”

Best Customer Service Healthcare Integrator

Julie Hammond

The first colleague I want to recognize is our office manager, Julie Hammond. Julie has been with Convergint for over 29 years and if you ever have any questions, Julie always gets you an answer. After the governor of Michigan issued a state-wide stay at home order in March, most of our employees began working from home.

However, because we are responsible for providing products and services to healthcare customers designated as critical infrastructure, we needed to ensure that any tasks that could not be performed remotely continued to be performed by a minimal number of staff onsite. These day-to-day onsite tasks were not necessarily seen by those of us working from home, but Julie and a handful of others on her team remained at the office to ensure those critical tasks continued to be completed.

Julie consistently works behind the scenes to ensure that the processes we rely on to conduct daily operations operate smoothly and efficiently. With the entire office (and nation, for that matter) dealing with a global pandemic, uncertainty about what is happening and what may come next has become a new routine and part of doing business. But the one thing we employees know about Convergint is that we know how to persevere!

So, when Julie received an email in the wee hours on a weekend that alerted her to a time-sensitive issue, she got out of bed and drove into the office to take care of it. Could it have waited until Monday? Possibly, but in hindsight, Monday would likely have been too late and the delay would have caused bigger problems. And she never said a word about it (another colleague later told me about it). Julie’s dedication makes a huge difference for Convergint and all of its employees.

Convergint Innovative Medical Solutions Integrator

Mike Keenan

The second colleague who recently went above and beyond is one of our Service Technicians, Mike Keenan. First of all, let me say our service team consistently goes above and beyond for our customers, but this time was unique. After working all day on-site at a customer location, Mike was wrapping things up to head home when he smelled something burning. So he began looking and asking around.

The on-site staff noticed the smell as well, but were unable to find its source. Someone suggested it might be caused by a tar-like construction product that can smell quite bad. But Mike noticed that the smell kept getting stronger, even through his mask. He continued to investigate, and when he noticed smoke wafting down the stairwell, he knew there was a bigger problem.

Once on-site maintenance arrived, they also confirmed a strong burning smell. Further investigation around a hidden overhang on the roof revealed that the whole space was filled with a dangerous amount of smoke. The maintenance team jumped into action breaking holes in the walls to discover the source of the smoke and found that the roof was on fire! Thankfully, they were able to extinguish it without substantial damage.

Mike was the only person working in that area that day, and the customer was very grateful he took the time to fully investigate the issue. Had Mike simply packed it up and assumed it was construction tar, the outcome could have been far different.

Outstanding customer service is something that Convergint takes seriously and our commitment to serve you is unwavering.


Medical Equipment & Healthcare Solutions

Connect with Convergint at (800) 968-3135 to learn more about our commitment to delivering exceptional results to our customers through unparalleled customer service.

Uptick in COVID-19

An Uptick in COVID-19

Unfortunately, your team may be preparing for an increase in COVID-19 patients. We are here to help. We are working hard to help supply screening area carts ranging from tablet roll stands, kiosks, to full size carts that can be outfitted with all the technology and tools you need. Additionally, because these carts are manufactured in the U.S.A. lead times are very reasonable.

Cart solutions for telehealth, isolation, temperature detection and COVID screening are:

  • Versatile
  • Customizable
  • Ready to use
  • Arrive fully assembled and ready to deploy

Give our office a call at 1 (800) 968-3135 or message us here to discuss your COVID-19 strategy.


Medical Equipment & Healthcare Solutions

Connect with Convergint at (800) 968-3135 to learn more about our commitment to delivering exceptional results to our customers through unparalleled customer service.

WOW Workstation on Wheels

WOW: Workstation on Wheels

At IMS (now Convergint) we specialize in four different product groups. One of those groups is EMR Computer Mounting Solutions, designed to mount the computer, display, and keyboard for Electronic Medical Record (EMR) data entry. One of the most popular products for EMR data entry is the Workstation on Wheels cart (WOW) used by clinical staff as a mobile charting solution.

The WOW can be upgraded to include large format computer displays, secure locking drawers for med distribution, RFID readers, Barcode Scanner Mounts, Sani-Cloth mounts, and many other accessories. The devices mounted on the WOW can be powered by the onboard power system, providing several hours of continuous mobile use.

As with any device in a 24/7 healthcare environment, they typically require scheduled maintenance. With our only focus being healthcare and strong relationships onsite in the hospital as a result of supporting Patient Security Systems, we offer a full range of support options for WOWs purchased from Convergint.

“Our support and preventive maintenance plans are developed to truly prevent unexpected failures, extend the lifespan of the carts, and save our customers money by replacing their carts less often.”

One customer in particular has purchased over 800 WOW’s from Convergint, which was a large investment. Realizing this, they decided to make the investment to maintain those WOWs by contracting with Convergint to perform scheduled preventive maintenance services (PMs) every two years.

This has kept the entire fleet in top working condition, by cleaning filters, and replacing parts. Our customer effectively extended the usefulness of their fleet by several years. Many of their WOWs are still in use nearly 13 years after purchasing and are just now being considered for replacement.

We believe if you invest in a quality product at the time of purchase and continue to maintain that product, you can extend the product lifespan by two or possibly three times other products. Our support and preventive maintenance plans are developed to truly prevent unexpected failures, extend the lifespan of the carts, and save our customers money by replacing their carts less often.


Medical Equipment & Healthcare Solutions

Connect with Convergint at (800) 968-3135 to learn more about our commitment to delivering exceptional results to our customers through unparalleled customer service.