HomeBlogBest Features to Look for When Purchasing Examination Couches
Best Features to Look for When Purchasing Examination Couches
Oct 04th, 2024
If you run a healthcare facility, using the best examination couches for patient care is critical. Progressing your rehabilitation journey doesn’t need to be a complicated plan if your practice has many options.
This blog will guide you to key considerations, features, and factors before making an informed decision about this essential medical equipment. Let’s examine some valuable insights and features you should look out for. After all, you want your patients to feel comfortable.
Importance of Examination Couches in Healthcare: An Overview
What are the different types of examination tables?
Adjustable examination tables. Offering height and angle adjustments, they are versatile in accommodating patient positions and procedures.
Hydraulic examination tables. These tables use hydraulic systems for height adjustments and are smooth and quiet without the need for power outlets. These systems might require occasional servicing.
Speciality examination tables. Meeting medical specialties, these examination tables have tailored features for different patient needs.
Assessing the Needs of Patients
When deciding on an examination couch for your practice, you’ll need to make some assessments! What is your medical specialty? What are your patient demographics? How often will you be using it, and what are your functional needs?
What are the needs of your medical practice? For example, consider gynaecology or dermatology services–the types of medical examinations conducted and the procedures the couch will be used for will differ depending on your speciality
What do you need for patient care? Gynaecological examinations may need stirrups, whereas orthopaedic practices might benefit from adjustable height and positioning. You’ll also want to consider the mobility and age of your patients for couch accessibility and safety.
How frequently will the examination couch be used throughout the day? If you have many patients, you may prefer durable and easy-to-clean materials.
To minimise fatigue and strain during examinations, an ergonomically designed examination table supports patient and healthcare provider comfort. Consider easy patient transfer features and controls that are conveniently located.
Patient Comfort and Safety
What are some of the key features to look for when purchasing examination couches? You’ll want to carefully evaluate:
Comfort and padding
Examination couches should be made of high-quality foam and be thick enough to provide support and cushioning during examinations (such as dermatology skin checks). Upholstery materials are easy to clean and maintain.
Durable and long-lasting
Choose examination couches made from strong materials such as stainless steel or heavy-duty aluminium frames. You’ll want to assess the build quality and welding for sturdiness so it lasts longer and reduces the need for repair costs.
Height adjustment mechanism
Adjusting height allows healthcare providers to customise the couch height according to the patient and the medical procedure being performed. Look at tables that are easy to operate, smooth, and support patient positioning.
Safety and infection control
Examination couches with safety rails and locking mechanisms can prevent accidental falls or injuries during patient transfers. Choose a model with built-in infection control methods, such as antimicrobial upholstery, to reduce cross-contamination and infection spreading.
Examination Tables vs. Treatment Tables
What are some of the differences between treatment tables and examination couches?
Examination Couches
They are mainly used for patient examination and diagnosis and are flat, stable, and may have adjustable backrests.
Features include padding for routine exams and patient comfort, hydraulic or manual height adjustment, and storage drawers underneath for medical supplies or patient gowns.
Examination couches are commonly used for check-ups, general medical exams, and routine assessments by a doctor.
Made from materials that aren’t difficult to clean, such as vinyl or other medical-grade materials.
Treatment Tables
Treatment tables are designed to support physical therapy or procedures needing positioning or adjustments (such as physiotherapy).
Features instead of adjustments (tilt, height, or segment movement), such as orthopaedic procedures or physical therapy.
They are built to handle heavier, more intense procedures, have specialised padding, and can have removable sections such as armrests or complex adjustments for patient positions such as lying on their side.
Overall, examination couches are for ease of use, whereas treatment tables support therapeutic sessions with patients and offer more flexibility.
What are some things you need to consider before buying healthcare furniture?
Materials and finishes must be smooth, non-porous, and able to handle scrubbing and cleaning with industrial-grade cleaners and disinfectants. Try to choose materials such as vinyl, plastic, laminate, or options treated with an antimicrobial agent.
Consultation rooms and waiting area furniture need to be dust-mite-resistant, anti-microbial, non-toxic, hard-wearing, fluid-proof, and flame-retardant.
Furniture must meet lifestyle costing targets. Always take into account the original cost of the furniture, impact on quality standards and testing, weight ratings, transport costs, cost of replacing the furniture, and even its warranty.
Examination couches should be bought from businesses with experience in the health sector, such as Access Health. Speak to our friendly team for information on how we can help to fit out your facilities.
The Plinth Medical is a versatile drop three-section, allowing for optimum use of smaller treatment areas. It is fitted with optional leg supports or arms for a number of gynaecology or minor procedures. Let’s look at some of the standard specifications:
UK manufactured
16-year average lifespan
Electric operation
Low running costs
Hardwearing anti-microbial vinyl
Safe working load of 250kg
Hoist clearance 130mm
Breathing hole
Retractable castors
It is also available with Trendelenburg tilt as model 93DT.
Designed for examination and treatment within hospital departments and clinics, the Plinth features fold-down patient support rails, a large castor wheel base with central braking, and a steering system.
Used in Accident and Emergency, Antenatal, ENT departments, and GP surgeries, what are some of its standard specifications?
UK manufactured
Lifetime frame and 5-year parts guarantee
16-year average lifespan
Hydraulic or electric operation
Comfort foam
Easy operation
Safe working load of 250kg
125mm twin wheel castor
Paper roll holder
Fold down the cot sides
Directional lock
Access 3-Section Treatment Couch (Short Head)
As a durable table (also called a physio coach), what are some of its features for doctors and patients?
Electric Hi Lo operation by foot switch
Sleek design with rounded frame legs for safety
Minimum height 50cm to maximum height 90cm in 30 seconds
The adjustable head section features a double gas strut, angle adjustments from -45 to +40
The head section has a face hole and a plug
Adjustable backrest featuring double gas status and angle adjustable from 0 to +80
5cm castors for safety and mobility
T Motion monitor
Padding thickness 5cm
Foam density: 36g/m2
Adjustable feet for uneven sentences
Upholstery is made from heavy-duty PVC vinyl that is stain, fire, mildew, oil, water, and wear-resistant
It is also certified by CE, FDA, ISO9001-2008, and ISO13485-2007.
Access Health leads the market by supplying top-quality, tried-and-tested products to hospitals, private practices and aged care.
As an Australian distributor for Plinth Medical 2000, RepBand, Medical Carts & Trolleys, and more, Access Health is certified to the International Quality Standard (Quality Approved ISO 9001).
View our brands, request a quote online, complete an NDIS Order Form, call 1300 659 540 or email sales@accesshealth.com.au if you have any questions! After all, we pride ourselves on going that little bit extra to locate the product you need.
Disclaimer: Access Health is not qualified to agree or deny whether this content is correct. For accurate information, consult your medical professional or provider.