Ergotron Study Uncovers Communication Breakdown in Healthcare IT Decision-Making

ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The implementation of EHRs has placed a greater importance on ergonomic design, as clinicians struggle to adapt their workspace to the new world of digital medicine. However, it appears ergonomics may not be a key consideration when selecting equipment to best use this technology, according to a new survey of IT professionals, clinicians and healthcare leaders. Commissioned by Ergotron, Inc., a leading manufacturer of ergonomic healthcare IT equipment and furniture, the survey results reveal a clear disconnect in how technology equipment is selected and evaluated within healthcare facilities.

Ergotron worked with HIMSS Analytics to survey 190 healthcare IT workers and leaders to further understand the technology equipment purchasing and evaluation process, as well as what factors influence these decisions. Throughout each stage of the purchasing process – selection, implementation and assessment -- the results pointed to conflict between key stakeholders in how healthcare technology decisions are made and how technology's practical and functional use can maximize staff productivity and enhance patient care. Findings include:

• Product selection - As end-users, clinicians should hold significant weight in selecting new technology. However, respondents ranked budget as the top influencing factor in selecting new healthcare technology, while clinician input tied for third (with ease of use, and behind ease of integration).
• Product implementation - The survey reveals a dissociation in the factors considered when initially implementing technology and actual day-to-day use. For instance, physical environment was deemed the least challenging factor during implementation, but space restrictions become more of a top challenge during regular use.
• Product assessment - According to the survey data, while it appears that decision makers regularly solicit input and feedback from clinicians around healthcare technology, it is unclear if and how this input is ultimately influencing purchasing decisions. More than half (56 percent) of IT professionals hear clinicians complain of discomfort at least once a month, and 85 percent of healthcare decision-makers say they consult clinicians when evaluating new healthcare technology, yet respondents ranked equipment ergonomics as the least influential factor when selecting technology.

"In a healthcare environment, technology is an integral part of patient care delivery, and non-ergonomic equipment may have a significant impact on quality of care, clinician safety and overall patient satisfaction and outcomes. In fact, a previous survey of nurses shows a link between ergonomics, fatigue and nurse-patient interactions," says Bob Hill, Healthcare Market Manager at Ergotron. Since different stakeholders will have conflicting priorities when evaluating new technology or equipment, Ergotron recognizes that it is critical to have an open line of communication between IT professionals, point-of-care professionals and healthcare leadership to ensure the right selection is made.

The survey findings are available in an executive summary report, "Finding the Disconnect: A Communication Breakdown in Healthcare IT," which can be downloaded here. To learn more about Ergotron's line of healthcare products, visit healthcare.ergotron.com or call 800.888.8458.

Methodology
The survey was commissioned by Ergotron and fielded by independent research team at HIMSS Analytics from February 15 to March 14, 2017. The responses were generated from a survey of 190 IT professionals, clinicians and healthcare leaders from across the United States.

About Ergotron
Ergotron, Inc. is a global manufacturer of leading digital display mounting, furniture, and mobility products that have been improving the human interface with digital displays for 35 years. This history of innovation and passion for differentiation is evidenced in over 192 patents and a growing portfolio of award winning brands—OmniMount®, LearnFit®, StyleView®, TeachWell®, WorkFit®, Anthro, and Neo-Flex® —for computer monitors, notebooks, tablets, flat panel displays and TVs. Ergotron's products incorporate patented Constant Force® lift and pivot motion technology to achieve less effort and more ergonomic motion for a healthier and more interactive user experience when viewing any digital display. Whether to enhance computing wellness or entertainment excitement improve workplace productivity or create business process efficiencies, Ergotron's products are positioning your digital world. Ergotron is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with sales efforts in Phoenix, Tualatin, Amersfoort, London, Tokyo and Singapore.

SOURCE Ergotron, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ergotron.com