Where to plug in

This week we are planning a new construction project. I am lobbying and hoping to be engaged as part of the discussion. Being involved in the planning for the computer and device placement in each room is paramount to optimally supporting real time documentation and care delivery.

One thing I have learned from past projects is to lobby for electrical outlets to be above the standard 12 inches off the floor placement. Nurses should not have to crawl around on the floor or bend down to plug in carts and other devices. In the past, I have asked for a power strip of plugs placed 36 inches above the floor at a specific location in an exam room. The electrician didn’t have any trouble with accommodating this request. No one at our facility had ever thought to ask the construction team about this accommodation. I learned it was easier to adjust electrical outlet placement during construction rather than retrofit the electrical wiring afterward. I have also learned from past projects that it is helpful for the construction team to understand the number of devices that will need to be supported in advance of their electrical planning and design. This information supports the design of the electrical infrastructure to ensure the electrical system can support the electrical load. With electronic devices exploding in healthcare delivery, the demand for electrical circuits is exponentially growing. This is a consequence of advancing beyond paper documentation and manual systems as we move into the digital age.

In recent time, we have seen computers, flat screen monitors, peripheral devices, and wireless networks access points appearing in every space within a healthcare delivery setting. Many healthcare facilities are older structures that were not designed to support the electrical demands of these new systems. During times of renovation there is an opportunity to address some of the infrastructure gaps. I see an opportunity to set the stage for future growth with each renovation.

Lesson Learned: If a renovation is being planned at your facility, ask to be part of the team. As information nurse specialists, we have access to critical information related to infrastructure enhancements necessary to support the digital age.

Plug in