Mobile clinic customization is one of those things that should always be done right the first time. Inadequate customization leads to limited accessibility for your patients, not enough storage for your medical equipment, a poorly designed interior layout, and an overall poor experience for everyone using the clinic.
Our team at AVAN Mobility strives to manufacture fully customizable mobile clinics that are tailored to your needs. We’ve made hundreds of these vehicles, and with that type of experience, you can rest assured that we can be trusted to customize your vehicle how you see fit.
In this article, you’ll learn about some of the common mistakes to avoid in mobile clinic customization. After reading, you’ll be able to take this information and steer your next mobile clinic in the right direction.
Before we start take a quick look at the video below for a better idea of what the interior of a mobile clinic looks like.
7 mistakes to avoid in mobile clinic customization
In the ever-changing world of mobile clinic customization, it’s easy to make some mistakes along the way. Let’s break down some of the more common ones.
1. Making things too complicated
Sometimes, people get carried away with making their mobile clinic super unique right off the hop. But here’s the thing – healthcare needs can change. Customizing too much for one specific thing might not be the best idea if it becomes outdated. It’s like buying the latest tech that’s old news in a few months. This can lead to a lot of frustration down the road and tie up a lot of cash your organization could use for other things.
Also, a new and fancy mobile clinic might be tricky for the staff to learn how to use it well. Complicated features and designs could make it hard to keep things running smoothly. It’s important to find a balance between being creative and keeping things practical. This way, the mobile clinic stays effective and easy for everyone to use for a long time.
2. No starting plan
Imagine trying to build a house without a blueprint. Starting from scratch with no plan would be overwhelming for anyone. We’ve found that using a floor plan that others have already tested and found successful is like having a roadmap for a trip – it keeps you from getting lost.
Using a proven floor plan is also similar to having a travel guide who already knows the best routes. It saves time but also ensures that you’re on the right track. That way, you can avoid the stress of trial and error in creating an effective mobile clinic.
3. Forgetting about resale
Life throws curveballs sometimes. Funding issues, life events, and health issues can get in the way of plans. It’s smart to think ahead. Choose a mobile clinic vehicle and layout that can be easily sold if things change down the road after you get started. Nobody wants a mobile medical clinic to turn into a financial headache.
Considering resale value is like having a safety net. If unexpected challenges arise, having a mobile clinic that holds its value well ensures a smoother transition. Think of it like having an emergency exit – you may not plan to use it, but having it there provides peace of mind. This foresight not only safeguards against financial headaches but also allows for flexibility in adapting to unforeseen circumstances in the dynamic landscape of healthcare.
4. Size
Bigger doesn’t always mean the better option with mobile clinics. Smaller vehicles have much more maneuverability and can make a huge difference in urban and rural areas where navigation gets tight. Carefully consider the size of your mobile clinic before you decide to start customizing.
A smaller mobile clinic often feels more like a friendly helper for patients – easy to approach and not overwhelming. Smaller clinics create a cozy and personal atmosphere, making patients feel more comfortable and at ease. It’s similar to a smaller room in a hospital where you can talk and connect with healthcare providers easily.
5. DIY pitfalls
Doing things yourself is great, but not when it comes to medical-grade clinics. Trying to retrofit an existing vehicle might seem like a money-saver, but there’s a lot to think about – from heating and cooling to making sure it meets medical standards.
Patient safety is the top priority. With DIY projects that you’re not familiar with, you can sometimes miss important details. It’s essential to avoid turning your mobile clinic into a potential hazard. Think of it like putting together a puzzle – each piece needs to fit perfectly to create a safe and welcoming space for patients. Professionals ensure that every piece aligns, making your mobile clinic not just a cool idea but a secure environment where patients can receive the care they deserve.
6. Overlooking price
People often forget to consider all of the costs involved in mobile clinic customization. The price can vary based on the customization options you choose and how large your mobile medical unit is. It’s important to strike a balance between features and budget to ensure the project remains financially feasible. Keep an eye on the numbers to avoid unexpected surprises down the road.
Overlooking the price can be like embarking on a journey without a map. It might lead to unexpected detours and cause financial challenges. No one wants to end up with more expenses than they can handle.
7. Failing to consider who will use the mobile clinic
Don’t forget the folks who aren’t making it to the healthcare center. Going mobile can open doors for those avoiding traditional centers due to stigma, bad experiences, or transportation issues. Consider the untapped potential of reaching more people by bringing healthcare to them.
Failing to consider who will use the mobile clinic is like planning a party without knowing who’s coming. It can lead to not having the right equipment or accessories for your patients. Similarly, you might miss addressing crucial healthcare needs if you don’t think about who needs your mobile clinic.
What are the consequences of making mobile clinic customization mistakes?
When customizing a mobile clinic for your organization, it’s important to consider your specific needs. Neglecting this can lead to undesirable consequences that affect your organization’s ability to serve your target population effectively.
One big consequence of making mistakes with mobile clinic customization is ending up with a vehicle that doesn’t help you provide healthcare very well. That means healthcare services might not be as good as they should be, and people will struggle to get the care they need.
Another consequence is that if you only focus on fixing short-term problems, you could end up with a vehicle that doesn’t work well in the long run. So, it’s super important to make sure your mobile clinic fits the specific needs of healthcare to avoid these kinds of issues.
Lastly, mobile clinic customization mistakes can be costly. You don’t want your hard-earned money or the donations of people or businesses supporting your organization to be wasted on mistakes.
What’s next?
You made it to this article because you were diligent in wanting to avoid mistakes with mobile clinic customization.
If you’ve made it this far, we hope you now have a clearer path forward with your mobile clinic journey.
Our goal at AVAN Mobility is to steer you in the right direction for your mobile clinic. We don’t want anyone investing money into something and later realizing they made a mistake. If you’re thinking about mobile clinic customization, you should also read our article related to it.
Finally, we know how difficult it can be to get funding for mobile clinics. Read our article on the top 6 ways to apply for mobile health grants to make the process a bit easier.
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