Modified shipping containers have almost endless potential in their uses and applications. Many people may think of them and picture things like food stands, pop-up shops, and job site offices, but container buildings are a great choice for use in much more technical industries. Healthcare is constantly evolving and expanding, offering plenty of opportunities to benefit from the versatility of modified shipping containers -- from mobile medical clinics to expanded patient care areas on hospital grounds.
How Can the Healthcare Industry use Modified Shipping Containers?
Among the many healthcare settings, specialties, and needs, there are many that can and already do use modified shipping containers for their facilities.
Mobile Clinics:
Healthcare providers can bring medical services directly to underserved communities, disaster areas or remote locations with the help of Modified shipping containers. With medical equipment examination rooms, and an array of technology, these mobile medical clinics provide a range of medical and health services including:
- Primary Healthcare
- Vaccination clinics
- Screenings
- Preventative services
- Family planning and education
Diagnostic and Imaging Centers:
Shipping containers are repurposed into diagnostic and imaging centers, housing state-of-the-art equipment to provide imaging and diagnostic services. These portable centers offer on-site imaging services which can reduce wait times, improve diagnostic accuracy, and enhance patient convenience:
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- Mammography
- Blood testing
- Urine testing
Telemedicine Stations:
With the integration of technology, modified shipping containers are transformed into telemedicine stations or hubs. for the healthcare industry. These stations feature video conferencing tools, medical devices, and secure data connections, enabling remote consultations between patients and healthcare providers. Telemedicine stations expand access to medical expertise, especially in rural or underserved areas. Patients can receive consultations, follow-up care, and expert opinions without needing to leave their homes.
Emergency and Disaster Response Units:
In times of emergencies or disasters, modified shipping containers can serve as emergency response units. These units are equipped with medical supplies, beds, and necessary equipment to provide immediate first aid and medical assistance to affected individuals.
Specialty Clinics and Surgical Centers:
Specialty clinics and surgical centers made from shipping containers cater to specific medical needs such as dermatology, dentistry, ophthalmology, and minor surgeries. These clinics offer a dedicated space with specialized equipment and trained staff, ensuring focused and efficient care.
Training Facilities:
For doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel either in school or receiving continuing professional education, modified shipping containers can be an excellent option for training space and simulated healthcare environments.
Benefits for Healthcare Businesses and Organizations
The use of modified shipping containers for medical and healthcare purposes benefits the public and patients using them, but businesses can also benefit from choosing containers over traditional building methods.
1. Modified shipping containers are cost-effective compared to other options.
Modified shipping containers provide a cost-effective alternative to constructing traditional brick-and-mortar healthcare facilities. The containers are readily available, and the conversion process is often more affordable than building from scratch. This makes offering healthcare services more accessible financially especially in resource-limited areas or in emergency situations.
2. Shipping containers have rapid deployment capability for immediate or shifting needs.
Shipping containers are portable and can be quickly transported to different locations, enabling rapid deployment of healthcare facilities. Quick setup of a mobile medical clinic or triage center is invaluable during emergency response efforts. It allows healthcare services to be set up swiftly in disaster-stricken areas or regions lacking adequate medical infrastructure. It also facilitates temporary clinics in areas with seasonal population fluctuations or special events.
3. Shipping containers offer flexibility and customization during design and construction.
The modular nature of shipping containers allows for customization according to specific healthcare needs. Containers can be easily modified to include features such as examination rooms, diagnostic equipment, surgical facilities, or specialized clinics. They can also be equipped with advanced technology such as telemedicine capabilities or mobile imaging units, further expanding the range of healthcare services that can be provided.
4. Using modified shipping containers is a more sustainable and eco-friendly solution.
Repurposing shipping containers for healthcare facilities aligns with the sustainability goals of many organizations, and society as a whole. By utilizing existing structures, the need for new construction materials is minimized, reducing the environmental impact. Additionally, containers can be equipped with energy-efficient systems, renewable power sources, and eco-friendly materials, making them more sustainable and reducing the carbon footprint of healthcare operations.
5. The versatility and scalability of shipping container structures allows them to be easily converted or expanded.
Modified shipping containers offer versatility in terms of the services they can provide, and the purpose and functionality can easily be converted when and if needed. Their scalability allows for future expansion or modification as healthcare needs evolve, ensuring adaptability to changing circumstances and demands.
How Can the Use of Modified Shipping Containers Improve Patient Care?
Accessibility:
Modified shipping containers offer increased mobility, enabling healthcare services to reach populations in remote or underserved areas. Mobile clinics and telemedicine stations housed in containers bring medical care directly to communities that would otherwise struggle with limited access. This accessibility improves healthcare outcomes by reducing barriers to treatment and increasing preventative care opportunities.
Efficient Workflows:
The efficient layout and design of containers can optimize workflows, reduce waiting times, and create a more comfortable and patient-friendly environment.
Reduced Overwhelm:
Many patients struggle with being overwhelmed in a medical or healthcare setting, especially in times of illness or crisis. Large hospitals or multi-level facilities with complicated directories can cause stress, even before a patient enters the building. Shipping containers offer a less overwhelming and more intimate environment for patients receiving medical care.
Other Uses for Modified Shipping Containers in Healthcare
Shipping container buildings are often used for clinical aspects of healthcare, but they can also be ideal as non-clinical accessory or support spaces that enhance healthcare workflows and patient experiences. Some examples include:
Check in/check out offices:
A private and separate area for patients to check in and out of medical facilities can result in fewer distractions and a more relaxed experience for patients and staff.
Administrative offices:
Using modified containers for administrative offices can keep them detached from a medical facility yet still nearby, allowing different departments to focus separately and collaborate when needed.
Waiting areas:
Waiting areas in places like hospitals or surgical centers can feel crowded and intimidating. Shipping containers can offer additional, more private waiting space for families and caretakers.
Dining areas:
Many medical centers often combine departments and specialties, allowing patients to have multiple appointments in one place. Unlike hospitals, these centers don’t typically have snack shops or cafeterias. Adding a shipping container where people can buy and eat food makes it more enjoyable to spend hours at one facility for multiple appointments.
Patient education:
Education is an essential step in healthcare after an appointment or hospitalization, but it's often rushed in an effort to turn over rooms in hospitals and medical offices. Modified shipping containers as designated patient education areas allows time for asking questions and processing information.
Considering a Modified Shipping Container for Healthcare Purposes?
M1 Containers has experience designing and constructing modified shipping containers for a wide variety of industries. Contact us today to discuss your needs and how we can implement your vision!