Medical keyboard

Types of Medical Keyboards

A medical keyboard comes in various designs to suit different healthcare professionals' needs. The most common one is the silicone model. It is easy to clean and highly durable. The medical industry has many germ and bacteria exposure cases. That's why a silicone keyboard will be a great option because pathogens won't spread easily. Also, its flexibility makes it simple for users to use and clean every day. Most silicone medical keyboards have printed letters, making them simple to use.

The stainless steel medical keyboard is another common option. It can also have a silicone cover for extra protection. These keyboards are RCD protected, meaning they have extra protection against current and voltage fluctuations. Also, they are water and dustproof. Medical experts can use these keyboards in various fields, including hospitals, laboratories, and production facilities. Since they are made from stainless steel, they typically have longer life spans. Buyers can use them in environments that have frequent use or abuse cases.

Magnetic steel medical keyboards are another great category. They also tend to have longer lifespans. Most of them can come with a silicone cover as well. This is, therefore, an easier to clean and more durable option. The magnetic steel keyboard can withstand a great impact, so it is suitable for various applications. Like the stainless steel option, this keyboard is also water and dustproof. Users can find it in facilities like hospitals, clinics, and laboratories.

The cordless medical keyboard is a great option for facilities that require distant typing. It uses batteries for operation and can be used along with the medical mouse. This keyboard is more adaptable compared to the wired medical keyboard. Users can take it anywhere in the workplace. Also, it is easier to clean and lightweight.

Finally, the wired medical keyboard is the most common option, and it is widely used in many facilities. Depending on the supplier, it can be water-resistant or dustproof. The keyboard is lightweight and portable. Users can plug it into any device, and it typically responds faster when pressed.

Function and feature of medical keyboards

The primary functions of a medical keyboard are accuracy, cleanliness, and durability. With many different kinds of medical keyboards available, understanding the specific functions and features of each kind can help in choosing the right one.

• Anti-microbial keyboards: An anti-microbial keyboard can provide a barrier to bacteria and fungi in a hospital or medical center. This kind of medical keyboard is made with materials and substances that inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The keys of an anti-microbial keyboard are usually smooth with no cracks or cavities, preventing the buildup of germs. An anti-microbial medical keyboard is often used in intensive care units and other areas with a high risk of infections.
• Sealed keyboards: A sealed keyboard is electronically sealed and can resist disinfectant solutions, liquid spills, and even submersion. The keys have no spaces between them, and there are gaskets around the keys to prevent any liquid from getting inside. A sealed keyboard is mainly used in applications where liquid spills and contamination can occur, like in hospitals, factory floors, and kitchens.
• Washable keyboards: Washable keyboards can be manually or machine washed. Each key has a drainage hole to ensure that no liquid is trapped inside. Good drainage prevents the growth of bacteria. A washable medical keyboard can be cleaned after every use, making it ideal for environments with a high-risk factor for contamination.
• Silicone keyboards: Waterproof silicone keyboards are made of soft silicone material. The silicone keys have a smooth texture, making it easy to wipe and clean the surface of the keyboard. Silicone medical keyboards are resistant to heat, so they can be sterilized in an autoclave at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. Because it is so flexible, it can be rolled up and stored in spaces with a small capacity.
• Stainless steel keyboards: A stainless steel keyboard contains durable metal parts that are resistant to rust, corrosion, and abrasion. It can be cleaned with harsh chemicals and is ideal for outdoor use because it can withstand all types of weather conditions.

Usage Scenario

Medical keyboards come in handy in various scenarios. These include hospitals, laboratories, clinics, and pharmacies.

• Hospital ICU/Critical Units: Medical keyboards are used in hospitals' ICUs and critical care units to document patients' information in real-time. These areas have a higher concentration of germs and require ICU medical keyboards that are easy to disinfect. Many medical keyboards have backlit screens that are easier to read under low light conditions.
• Medical Laboratories: In medical labs, specialists use keyboards to analyze samples, document findings, and communicate with doctors. Since lab work often involves exposure to chemicals, spill-resistant keyboards are preferred.
• Outpatient Clinics: Busy clinics that receive a high number of outpatients use medical keyboards in various ways. Clinics use medical keyboards to register and document patient information. The keyboards are linked to electronic health record systems, enabling healthcare providers to record patient histories, symptoms, and vital signs accurately during consultations. Medical keyboards are also used to manage appointments and schedules.
• Pharmacies: Pharmacies use medical keyboards to document patients' records and prescriptions. They are also used to manage inventory and health record systems. This improves data management and enhances the quality of service offered to patients.
• Telemedicine: In virtual healthcare settings, medical keyboards are used to record and transmit patient data remotely. They play a crucial role in electronic health systems, enabling doctors and patients to communicate effectively.
• Research and Development: In medical research institutes, medical keyboards are essential in documenting research processes and data collection. Medical keyboards are used to maintain and update databases in biobanks and tissue banks. They are also used to track samples and document their characteristics. Medical keyboards are used to record data, monitor experiments, and ensure adherence to safety protocols in clinical trial sites.

How to Choose Medical Keyboards

The goal of an ergonomic medical keyboard is to improve productivity while minimizing the risk of injury. These keyboard features can help achieve this:

• Adjustable tent angle: This allows users to change the angles at which they type to reduce wrist strain.
• Split key design: This design places the keys in two separate sections. It enables users to position hands shoulder-width apart for a more natural wrist alignment.
• Keyplate curvature: This feature conforms to the natural shape of fingertips to reduce strain.
• Keys spacing: Proper spacing between keys helps users type accurately without having to stretch their fingers too much.
• Key travel distance and tactile feedback: These determine how far the keys must be pressed down and the physical sensation provided by the keys when typed. Optimum travel distance and feedback can lead to a comfortable and efficient typing experience.

Purchasers may want to look for medical keyboards with additional features that will enable users to work more efficiently. These include keyboards with:

• Mop and splash-proof designs for easy cleaning.
• Programmable keys for macros and customization.
• Integrated data and card readers for added functionality.
• Connection options, such as wired USB and wireless (not Bluetooth) for flexibility.
• Vertical angle for tilt optimization.
• Key markings in high-contrast, anti-fade colors for improved visibility and durability.
• Touch-screen compatibility for intuitive operation.
• Backlighting and glow-in-the-dark keys for improved visibility in low-light conditions.

Apart from considering the above features, it is important to ensure the keyboard meets the facility's standards. Also, purchasing from a supplier who can provide proof of the keyboard's impact on productivity and efficiency is essential. It is also necessary to test a model if the supplier offers trial tests before making a bulk purchase. This will ensure that the keyboard is compatible with the systems in use. If a specific medical keyboard is already in use, it is important to ensure the new one is compatible. Users should also research and educate themselves about different types of keyboards to better understand their needs.

Medical keyboard Q&A

Q1: Why is a spill-resistant keyboard important in medical environments?

A1: A spill-resistant keyboard prevents fluid from leaking inside the keyboard and causing damage to electronic components. In a medical setting, spills from various fluids like water, blood, or other bodily fluids are common. A sealed keyboard protects against such damages, ensuring prolonged functionality and reducing replacement costs.

Q2: What does 'easy to clean' mean for medical keyboards?

A2: ""Easy to clean"" in the context of medical keyboards refers to the ability to disinfect the keyboard without damaging it. This is usually possible due to a non-porous surface that does not harbor bacteria or germs. Easy-to-clean keyboards often have removable keycaps that allow thorough cleaning under each key. Also, keyboards with smooth surfaces are easy to wipe.

Q3: Can medical keyboards be used in other industries?

A3: Yes, medical keyboards can be beneficial in other industries where cleanliness and hygiene are critical, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and laboratories.

Q4: What is the purpose of a wipeable keyboard?

A4: The purpose of a wipeable keyboard is to provide a keyboard whose surfaces can be easily wiped with disinfectants to remove dirt, stains, or bacteria. This is vital in medical settings to prevent infections and ensure the safety of patients and medical staff.