Did you find our last article on the different types of mobile clinics helpful? If so, you might be wondering what comes next—the different levels of mobile clinic customization to fit your needs.
If you’re an organization planning to offer healthcare on the move, you probably want to know what customizations are available to make your mobile clinic work best for your target community. Some of the issues that can creep up if you don’t choose the right customizations include:
- Wasted space
- High maintenance costs
- Poor workflow
- Not enough storage
- Uncomfortable patient experience
It can be tough to figure out where to start, but don’t worry—you’re not alone.
At AVAN Mobility, we’ve spent over 10 years helping organizations like CalOptima Health and yours create mobile medical vehicles that do more than just provide care—they save lives. We know that every organization is different, and we’re here to share our expertise without bias so you can make the best decision for the needs of your healthcare team and the patients you serve.
In this fourth part of our article series on mobile clinics, you’ll discover the different customizations you can get with your Mobile Clinic Van. Learning about this will make sure you’re on the right track to getting a mobile clinic design that works specifically for you.
Why is mobile clinic customization important?
Customizing a mobile clinic is important because every clinic has its own unique purpose. Think about it: not all clinics serve the same kind of patients or operate in the same areas. For example, if your clinic helps people with diabetes, you’d need specific equipment, like a portable dialysis machine, to provide the right care. The right customizations can help you deliver high-quality care wherever you go.
Here’s why customization matters:
Different locations: Clinics in big cities and small towns face different challenges. Customizing your clinic helps you be ready for the specific needs of each place.
Specialized care: If your clinic focuses on a particular health issue, like diabetes or vaccinations, you’ll need the right tools on board.
Patient comfort: Customizing the clinic’s interior makes it a more welcoming space where patients feel safe and cared for.
Customization options in the Mobile Clinic Van
When setting up a custom mobile clinic, it’s important to know what comes standard and what can be customized. Let’s start with the standard features of the Mobile Clinic Van from AVAN Mobility. After that, we’ll look at some customizations that can make your clinic even more effective for specific purposes.
Standard features
Every Mobile Clinic Van comes with basic features that help you provide quality healthcare on the go:
Doctor’s office on wheels: The van is set up to feel like a regular doctor’s office. This helps patients feel comfortable during their visit.
Medical storage cabinets: The van has tall floor-to-ceiling aluminum cabinets and overhead storage. These are great for keeping your medical supplies, equipment, and records organized and easy to reach.
Patient exam bed with storage: The bed is comfortable for exams, and it has storage underneath for important items.
Power supply: The van has regular outlets, 12V plugs, and USB ports. This lets you power medical devices and charge electronics like you would in a home.
Bright LED lighting: Proper lighting is important for accurate medical procedures. The LED lights provide bright, clear light.
Low-maintenance flooring: The flooring is durable and easy to clean, which is important for a busy mobile clinic. The surfaces in the clinic are also easy to clean, making it easier to keep the van sterile and safe.
Office desk space: The van has an office desk with a rolling chair. This is important for healthcare providers to do paperwork and other tasks.
Rear heat and air conditioning: It’s important for both patients and staff to keep the van at a comfortable temperature throughout all climates in the U.S.
Customization options
While the standard features are helpful, your clinic might need further customization depending on the scope of your program. Here are some options to consider:
Medical equipment customization
If your mobile clinic needs special medical tools, these options can be helpful:
Blood/exam equipment: Tools like nebulizers, glucometers, and stethoscopes help diagnose and manage conditions like asthma or diabetes.
Welch Allyn diagnostic system: This system includes tools like otoscopes, thermometers, and blood pressure monitors, which are sometimes needed for regular check-ups.
Portable heart monitors: These monitors are great for checking patients’ heart health, especially those with heart problems.
Ultrasound machines: These machines help diagnose many different health issues, giving quick answers during visits.
Portable dialysis machine: This machine is important for clinics that help with kidney care. It allows patients to get life-saving treatments right in the van.
Compact X-ray machines: These machines help diagnose injuries or health issues on the spot. This is especially helpful for patients who live hours from the closest hospital.
Safety and hygiene customization
Keeping your mobile clinic clean and safe is very important. Consider these customizations:
Oxygen system: This is important for patients with breathing problems and helps during emergencies.
Sharps container: Safely disposing of needles and other sharp items is key to keeping everyone safe.
3-in-1 exam bed cushion set: This cushion set can be adjusted for different types of medical checkups.
Comfort and convenience customization
To make the clinic more comfortable and easier to use for both patients and staff, consider these options:
Awning: An awning creates shade outside the van, making it a comfortable waiting area for patients.
Extra windows: More windows improve airflow and let in more natural light. This can make your clinic feel more welcoming.
Additional lighting options: Whether it’s extra lights inside for better medical diagnoses or outside lights for nighttime, these options ensure your clinic is ready for anything.
Tinted windows: Tinted windows provide privacy by blocking the view from outside while still allowing in natural light.
Grid bars on windows: These bars add extra security, which is important if the van is parked unattended or you provide healthcare in an area more prone to crime.
Bringing healthcare to Joplin, Missouri: A real-life example
The Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri is a great example of an organization using the Mobile Clinic Van from AVAN Mobility. Their mobile clinic is all about giving healthcare to uninsured people throughout the region.
They customized the van with a sink and a fridge. With the fridge, they can keep vaccinations fresh and safe to use. Take a look at the video below to see for yourself!
Ready to start your mobile clinic customization?
You came here looking for answers about mobile clinic customization, and now you have a clear idea of what’s possible. From basic features to advanced medical equipment, you’ve learned how to make your mobile clinic work best for the patients you plan to serve.
At AVAN Mobility, we’re all about helping organizations like yours bring life-saving healthcare to those who need it most. With over 10 years of experience, we know how the right mobile clinic can make a huge difference. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Next up, we’ll dive into the cost of a mobile clinic and how to get started. Be sure to check out the final part of our series to learn everything you need to know about making your mobile clinic a reality.
