Monitor Mounting with Ergonomics in Mind

  The benefits of a monitor mounting system in your technology integration.

There has been a rise in the need for correct monitor mounting in the medical and dental industry. Setting a CRT or LCD monitor on a counter or up on a shelf is no longer acceptable for three major reasons. First, ergonomics is a growing concern with more records being recorded, changed, and stored on computers. Second, the growing use of computers and monitors is creating space restriction problems. Last, whether you need to entertain patients or present them with information, one static location for your TV or monitor will not meet the needs of every patient.

With better knowledge of workplace related injuries such as lower back, neck and shoulder pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome, employers are seeing the need for ergonomically correct workplaces for their employees. The simple definition of ergonomics is the adaptation of the work-place to the worker. You need a mounting system that can adapt your equipment to the people who use it. Since people come in many shapes and sizes, a mounting system is needed that can easily be adapted to new employee. Data entry is done safer and more efficiently with an ergonomic mounting system. Money is saved by ergonomics through fewer missed days due to injury and also through increased productivity because employees are comfortable in their work environment.

Sometimes the first question that comes to mind before the purchase of computers systems is "where would we put it?" In any work environment, space is a valuable commodity. In an office, once you've set your keyboard at the edge of the table and your monitor behind your keyboard, your actual usable workspace has been greatly reduced. In some instances a second or third monitor is needed. In a patient's room or dental operatory, it is often impractical to use another cart or cabinet for your computer, monitor, keyboard, or laptop. Every square inch of your floor and desk space is accounted for. You need a monitor and keyboard arm mounting system that will leave your desk and floor untouched. By using the proper mounting solution, you can have your equipment conveniently located and have the ability to move it up and out of the way when not in use.

With an adjustable arm holding an LCD TV a patient can enjoy programming even if his/her mobility is limited. The patient no longer has to be moved to see the screen because the screen can be moved to where the patient can see it. A monitor arm with enough reach will enable you to use the monitor to educate your patient about a treatment or to view x-rays from a bed or chair. This system makes it easier to engage your patient in the treatment process. The same system can then lift the monitor high enough to be used by staff personnel or colleagues to discuss treatment plans.

There are many monitor mounting arms and stands in the market designed for an array of applications and environments. You need to know exactly what you are looking for to match your needs with the correct solution. The following are some things to keep in mind when looking for a mounting system:

1. Adaptability— Remember that what you need now may change in the future. Find a system that is designed with this in mind. "How easy will it be to add a keyboard mount to this monitor arm in the future? Will I have to buy a completely new system or can I upgrade this one?"
2. Adjustability— The LCD monitor arm or mount should be able to be adjusted easily by the people who will use it every day? "Can my secretary easily adjust the height of this monitor stand?" In the case of mounting arms, think of the farthest point it will need to reach. "Will this arm reach where I need it to?"
3. Compatibility— There are compatibility standards set forth by VESA, the Video Electronics Standard Association, that determine how your LCD monitor can be mounted. Be sure to find a mounting system that has a mounting interface that is compatible with your LCD monitor. If your monitor hasn't been purchased, make sure that the LCD monitor you decide on is VESA compliant. Also keep in mind the weight of the equipment you intend to mount. Make sure you find a mounting system with a weight capacity to meet your requirements.
4. Quality— Find out how the systems you are looking at have been engineered and manufactured. "Is the mounting system designed to be durable? Is the arm meant to last longer than the equipment I will be mounting? Do I feel comfortable having this system extended over my patient? What kind of finish does it have? Will the finish fade or chip away?"

The right LCD monitor mounting systems are tools that can transform your practice; it will enrich the experience of your patients, and create a safer and more efficient workplace for employees.