Care is on the moo-ve

IT’S not unusual to see a COW sharing a room with a patient or being pushed down the halls at the Dandenong Hospital … and many doctors wouldn’t have it any other way.
Southern Health has recently deployed 22 COWs (Computers on Wheels) into various departments at MMC Clayton and Dandenong Hospital, including, emergency, theatre and outpatient areas.
A COW, also known as an LCD Computer Cart, is a highly ergonomic cart designed to house and easily move a fully functioning computer with medical grade (washable) keyboard and mouse and a super 20 inch widescreen LCD monitor. It gives staff direct access to results, radiology and even internet resources.
Southern Health’s Nephrology Department, led by Professor Peter Kerr, introduced two COWs into their workflow recently, and he said the device has significantly improved the quality of care to patients.“It’s very good. It allows you to do a lot of things at the patient’s bedside, which increases our care for the patient,” he said.
“We have seen an improvement since we began using (COWS). It makes a big difference to have all the information at the patient’s bedside.”
Mr Kerr said it was important for hospitals to use new technology as it is produced.