The Evolution of the 90 Degree Pull-Out Unit
Our unique, custom and human-centered product design offers fast, efficient access to materials, and ensures that healthcare professionals can do what they do best — concentrate on patient care. Take the journey with us to learn more about the evolution of our 90 degree pull-out nurse server unit.
From Traditional to Adaptable and Innovative
It started with a request for our original FlowCARE® Pass-Through Nurse Server. The architect contacted us to start designing a “traditional” Pass-Through Nurse Server that would be used in over 100 (ED) Emergency Department Rooms.
In working with the architect, we were tasked to design a solution that assisted nurses and medical staff with the ability to properly manage patient room supplies, while also offering fast, efficient access to materials decentralized at the patient rooms. It was also important to design for flexibility, because the supplies needed vary from room to room and require different quantities and sizes.
The Task:
- Engineer a new, innovative design that would allow the customer to pull a unit out into the corridor for stocking
- Use our Basket System to create more efficient, vertical storage
- Create a design that could adapt over time or from room to room
Based on our customer research, we designed, prototyped, and iterated the design and finally landed on a design of our Pass-Through FlowCARE® Nurse Server. During the time needed in our proven design process, it became apparent to all parties that the other vendor’s 90-degree pull-out unit just wasn’t going to work….
The First 90-Degree Pull-Out Unit Prototype
Our new task was to engineer a new, innovative design that would allow nurse and medical staff to pull a unit out from the wall into the corridor for stocking supplies. Unlike the Pass-Through, the supplies are stocked on the side of the unit that is perpendicular to the wall. This allows for more vertical, efficient storage using our Basket System. The Basket System allows for flexibility to not only adapt over time, but also varies in design from room to room for the room’s unique needs.
By the spring of 2018, the engineering was complete and our new design was approved. This innovation, the FlowCARE® 90 Degree Pull-Out Nurse Server, was born.
With the creation of the FlowCARE® 90-Degree Pull-Out Nurse Server, our Moduflex Team knew that this design would solve the same problems but with more flexibility and in a variety of patient room designs.
But when maximizing storage capacity is the name of the game, it was important to use every square inch possible. Born out of this customer feedback, we created the “Slim Design”.
Maximizing Storage Capacity with the “Slim Design” 90-Degree Pull-Out Nurse Server
Engineering began on our new, innovative “slim” heavy-duty slide. This new version possessed all of the qualities of the original slide design but was only ½ the height. It had 120% travel & could handle 600+ pounds. Our ‘Slim Design” prototype was designed for a 3” high slide, vs the 8” original design. Our goal was to learn how our heavy-duty slide worked for those that would be using the solution the most.
The feedback was overall positive. The efficiency and maximization of space was right on the mark. However, there were some initial concerns regarding the slide being within the appropriate push/pull range to meet ergonomic requirements.
With the feedback in hand, we went back to the drawing board for our next iteration. With our next prototype installed with our newest, quiet, soft-close/-open slide, the feedback from the hospital leaders and contractors was a thumbs up and a verbal approval of design.
Where Are We Now?
While our Moduflex Team is proud of the upgrades we have made to perfect our FlowCARE® 90 Degree Pull-Out Nurse Server, we will not stop working on continuous improvements, and our customers know it. An iterative, customer-centric design process is in our DNA.
To learn more about our latest FlowCARE Pull-Out Nurse Server, click here.
