5 Tips for Choosing the Right Vital Signs Monitor for Your Needs
Many factors determine the successful running of your medical practice, and it is essential not to overlook the quality of medical equipment. One of these items is the vital signs monitor, which can be the difference between life and death. So, how can you pick the right vital signs monitoring system for your practice?
Over 130 million patients visit the emergency department annually in the US, and many of those patients end up needing vital signs monitors. But the selection of medical monitors is vast due to their various functions. So, how can you pick the right vital signs monitor for your practice needs?
Read this vital signs monitor guide for everything you need to know.
1. Type of Medical Facility
A good place to start your vital signs monitor search is to consider your specific practice needs. Vital signs monitors come in a variety of sizes and with different functions to cater to various medical conditions. Consider what your specific practice needs are so you can look for the proper patient monitoring criteria.
For example, if you need medical monitors in an operating room, you want to ensure there are functions such as gas and agent analysis. Then you can compare the end-tidal CO2 and the amount of gas exhaled.
Other common monitors include:
- SpO2 monitor
- Blood pressure monitor
- Heart rate monitor
A blood pressure monitor measures heart rate and blood flow, whereas a SpO2 monitor measures the oxygen saturation in the blood. Heart rate monitors can monitor your patient’s heart rate even when they sleep. You may need specific functions such as ECG monitoring or a patient monitor that covers different functions for your medical practice.
2. Scalability
When investing in a vital signs monitoring system, consider your long-term goals. While you may only need several vital signs monitors right now, do you think your needs will change in the future?
Vital signs monitors have different operating systems too. Some systems operate independently, which is perfect for smaller practices requiring only several patient monitors. Often outpatient practices need smaller amounts and monitors with specific features such as vital signs.
In contrast, if you need multiple units, look for ones with extensive networking and connectivity features to cater to your practice’s size or potential growth. Technology continues to advance with features such as remote monitoring and even smartphone capabilities, which means you can invest in patient monitors that will support your practice ‘s long-term growth.
3. Features
The global patient monitoring market continues to grow, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 8.8%. There are more functions than ever on vital signs monitors, so check if you can add specific options and look out for functions that could help your practice.
For example, you might want an all-in-one monitor with comprehensive features such as temperature inputs and invasive blood pressure. Sometimes monitors are named after specific features, such as:
- Telemetry or patient monitors
- EKGs
- Capnography
- Pulse oximeter
You might need wired monitors or wireless solutions to integrate new patient monitors with your current network. A portable battery monitor can make a huge difference in a hospital setting, preventing unnecessary amounts of wires or accidents from occurring. The last thing you want is for a wire to become unplugged during crucial monitoring stages.
You can also look out for features such as daily average readings for patients or connectivity features that help you access data when on the move. Other features include power management functions to ensure monitors run smoothly without any interruptions.
4. Ease of Use
Pick a vital signs monitoring system that is easy to use. There is no use picking an advanced model that staff will struggle to operate. The best vital signs monitoring does not have to be the most complicated; it should be user-friendly with functions to make it as easy as possible for medical staff.
Look out for vital signs monitors that are easy to move if you need portability. Also, look for how information is communicated and transferred on patient monitors. Pick an option that communicates changes to vital signs clearly.
Some vital signs monitors also provide access to data remotely, which is perfect if you work at an outpatient clinic. You can also look for other connectivity features that will make it easier for healthcare professionals to view data.
Ease of use also relates to the sizing of monitors, which typically come in:
- 7 inches
- 10.1 inches
- 10.5 inches
- 12.1 inches
- 15 inches
The size of the screen you pick depends on your practice type and how easily staff need to view patient data. You can also consider features that support staff, such as mounting so they can move the monitor quickly and take a closer look. The vital signs monitors should also be easy to set up for staff.
5. Budget
It is also essential to consider your budget when investing in vital signs monitors. Check if there are payment plans or different ways to pay. The most expensive monitor is not necessarily the best, and the cheapest is not always the best deal.
You can also look at refurbished monitors, but check there is still testing of products to check they are in optimum condition before the sale.
You need to find a balance between a quality vital signs monitor that will support your practice long-term and one that fits your budget. Find a reputable provider of vital signs monitors for the best selection, quality, and warranty options.
The Best Vital Signs Monitor for Your Needs
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the best vital signs monitor for your practice. However, if you follow these tips, you can make an informed purchase. Quality vital signs monitors are vital for medical practices and can help enhance patient care in various ways.
Are you ready to invest in vital signs monitors? For all of your medical equipment needs, contact us today. One of our expert representatives can help you order the best vital signs monitor for your practice.
