Hospital / Patient Rooms

Custom Dry Erase Boards for Hospitals

The use of a custom made dry erase board in the patient’s room provides an additional line of communication for the physician, the staff and the patient so they will always be informed on many important factors. This includes the prescriptions being administrated, vitals, the names of the physician and staff along with any concerns the patient might have to name a few.

This new line of communication provides a path for the staff and physician to communicate with the patient even when they are resting. It also provides a way for patients to communicate with the staff.

The patient whiteboard can be made specifically to the needs of the medical facility. We understand that the vital information that needs to be listed for an ER patient, is different than a patient recovering from surgery. We already have printed backgrounds that can be used or we can make one as you describe at no additional charge.

Types of Patient Whiteboard Shields

Our dry erase boards come with the option of two different types of top layer shields.

Polyester (PET)Laminate Shield

This is a non-porous polyethylene terephthalate top layer that is chemical, scratch and stain resistant. This top layer is 2 mm in thickness.

PETG Laminate Shield

This is a non-porous Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol top layer that is also chemical and stain resistant. With the addition of the glycol, the polymer is softer and resistant to becoming brittle over time. Because it is softer, it scratches easier than the PET. This top layer is 0.5 mm in thickness.

Which is the Best Top Layer?

The best option in the top layer of a whiteboard for a medical facility would be determined by how it is used, where is used and the temperature and humidly levels of the rooms.

PETG is best for use in places where the humidity level is lower and temperatures are higher because of its flexibility. The PET will become brittle over time when exposes to higher temperatures.

Because the PET laminate shield is harder it is the preferred top layer for the portable whiteboards that are the size of a clip board. It is also preferred when the whiteboard is magnetic because of it being scratch resistant.

Both the PET and the PETG are suitable for the wall mounted whiteboards that are the most common in the patient’s rooms.

The information to be printed on the whiteboard for permanent display can be anything from a highly technical set of information to the simple, with just basic patient and medical staff information.

The Printed Technical Board

This area can include what you believe is the most vital of information to help the patient:

(For those recovering from surgery, their pain threshold can be indicated on a scale from 0 to 10.)

The printed backboard can and should, include any critical level that is regularly tested, so the physician and staff will know instantly what that level was upon entering the room.

(For bed ridden patients, their turning schedule should be in a space dedicated to this all important daily routine.)

When any type of medicine is being administered, the type of medicine being given the patient, the last time a dose was given, when the next dose is due along with it quality that should be given and would have a prominent space where the details can be written down and clearly referenced.

(For diabetics, a block should be made for the last blood sugar level test.)

Simple Board

For some medical faculties, some of the patients will only require a simple printed section for use on the whiteboard. This will include blocks and lines, that can be used for the date, patient's name, room number, etc.

- Additional areas to consider when creating your dry erase board : Goals, safety instructions, Emergency contact numbers. -

Types of Markers that can be used on a Dry Erase Board

Any type of marker can be used on our dry erase boards, but to prolong the life of the whiteboard and make it easier to clean, dry erase markers are recommended.

The Dry Erase Marker

This type of marker is classified as a non-permanent marker. It contains an alcohol that evaporates after the ink is applied. This leaves behind a dry pigmented area that can be easily cleaned off with a dry cloth or dry erase marker eraser.

Many brands of dry erase markers have a pundit odor to them. This is the alcohol evaporating. Each brand has its own distinctive order which is sole depending on the alcohol used by the supplier. There are some that are labeled as low order, but there are none that are no odor.

Most brands are also labeled as non-toxic. Even with that printed, it is best to avoid contact with the skin and mouth when using them.

Permanent Markers

Permanent markers also use an alcohol to transport the pigment from the pen to the surface area. The biggest difference is they also contain a resin to make them waterproof. The ink from a permanent marker can be removed from the surface of a dry erase board by wiping it will rubbing alcohol then water.

Most brands are also labeled as non-toxic. Even with that printed, it is best to avoid contact with the skin and mouth when using them.

Damp Erase Markers

The new damp erase markers are semi permanent and use a paste instead of an alcohol to distribute the pigment to the surface. The pigment cannot be taken off with a dry eraser. To remove these marks a cloth damp with water should be used.

With our dry erase board’s top shield being non-porous, ghosting of the surface will not occur no matter what type of marker is used.

What Size Whiteboard ?

The standard sizes for a patient dry erase board in a room are 18” x 18”, 18” x 24”, 24” x 24” and 24” x 36”.

The printed underlay can be laid out in either landscape of portrait configuration. Custom sizes are available upon request.

How to Mount the Whiteboard?

When mounting the whiteboard, it should be clearly visible from the bed so the patient can view the information. This will also help a medical facility in determined the correct size of the printing on the board and its actual overall size.

Both the PET and the PETG are suitable for the wall mounted whiteboards that are the most common in the patient’s rooms.