The Real Cost of Cutting Corners on Patient Trolleys
Cost of Maintenance
Whether they’re being used to transport patients between departments or to treat them during procedures, patient trolleys are on the go all day. Because of this, they’re typically engineered stronger and more robust than ward beds to withstand the expected wear and tear of heavy use. This makes them pricier to purchase upfront, but also more durable over the long-term.
With many different manufacturers and models available on the market, it’s important that healthcare facilities consider more than just the initial purchase cost when purchasing patient stretchers for their facility. Models with more robust features and capabilities may come at a higher price point, but these extra benefits can often offset costs by improving staff efficiency in the long run.
As a result, it’s crucial that healthcare facilities invest in structured maintenance protocols for their stretcher fleet to help ensure that they remain operational for as long as possible. Regular inspections, preventative maintenance schedules, battery care, cleaning, and safe storage all help to extend the lifespan of each trolley.
Complex features and specialist add-ons such as built-in weigh scales can drive up the overall cost of a patient trolley, as they require additional components and technology to perform correctly. However, a simple weighing calibration should be completed at least annually to help ensure that each unit is functioning as intended.
Cost of Repairs
Patient trolley stretchers are a vital component of medical facility workflows, and they need to be reliable for comfort and security during transfers. However, the initial purchase price is just one part of the overall cost of a trolley; other costs can quickly add up over time, including maintenance and repairs. Understanding the factors that influence patient trolley stretcher prices can help facilities optimize their purchasing decisions and budget for the best value.
Consider the Initial Purchase Price
Some patient transport trolleys have more advanced capabilities that drive up the initial price point. These models are often designed for high-performance in demanding environments, such as hospitals or emergency departments. They are typically stronger, lighter weight than ward beds and feature wheels that are designed to absorb the expected impacts of frequent movement. They may also include features like powered positioning and scales to support efficiency and enhance staff ergonomics.
Other options for reducing the initial purchase price of patient transport trolleys include selecting simple models without unnecessary features or accessories. For example, opting for a hydraulic model that can quickly adjust to the desired height reduces the number of steps required during transfers and increases ease of use for both patients and healthcare providers.
In addition, consider the availability of leasing or financing options. These programs can help small clinics make the upfront investment more manageable, and they may offer flexible payment terms that better align with cash flow needs.
Lastly, consider whether your facility is a member of a group purchasing organization (GPO). These organizations can leverage the buying power of multiple medical facilities to secure discounts on equipment, including patient transport trolleys. The goal of the GPO is to ensure that every medical facility has access to the highest quality equipment for their individual workflows and to promote a safe, effective work environment.
Cost of Downtime
The cost of downtime goes well beyond direct financial losses. It also carries indirect costs that ripple through the organization, such as lost productivity and customer frustration. For example, a retail website that experiences downtime during peak shopping hours loses potential sales. A manufacturing plant facing downtime due to a malfunctioning production line incurs costs associated with idle workers, wasted raw materials, and delayed shipments. And financial institutions that experience downtime at ATMs or online banking systems face customer dissatisfaction and reputational damage.
Moreover, frequent system downtime frustrates employees and saps their morale. As a result, employee turnover can increase. This creates additional operational costs in the form of training, lost productivity, and lost institutional knowledge. Furthermore, employees who feel frustrated and resentful toward the company because of repeated outages may seek employment elsewhere.
In healthcare facilities, downtime is especially costly because it interferes with the delivery of patient care. In a hospital, EHR downtime prevents clinicians from accessing important patient records and data, which leads to delays in treatment and potentially medical errors. This can have a negative impact on patient satisfaction, leading to lower HCAHPS scores and referrals.
Finally, downtime can have serious legal and regulatory repercussions. For instance, if an EHR system downtime exposes confidential patient information, it could lead to fines or lawsuits.
The good news is that organizations can mitigate the costs of downtime by implementing robust infrastructure and conducting regular system testing. They can also avoid cutting corners by choosing quality carts that meet their specific transportation needs and ensuring that they have sufficient redundancies to ensure continuity of operations.
Patient transport trolleys come in a variety of models that range from basic transport stretchers to bespoke bariatric products. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to thoroughly assess an institution’s transportation needs before selecting a cart. While the simplest transport stretchers can provide an excellent value for money, a higher-end model that includes features like power positioning and scales can offset the upfront investment by improving staff efficiency in the long run.
