The use of typical keyboards for healthcare in hospitals has spread hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) through cross-contamination from and to patients by healthcare workers, which can result in fatal consequences. Hence, the use of medical keyboards that have been especially designed for preventing such consequences is imperative.
Is true that the use of typical keyboards for healthcare which can result in fatal consequences? Yes, it is. If you look down at your keyboard, you will find that there are parasites, bacteria and other forms of unclassified life crawling all over it. Now, you can imagine what the keyboards at a hospital must be like. For that reason, as cited above, the use of medical keyboards especially designed for preventing such consequences is really necessary.
Among computer companies that has launched medical keyboards is Advanced Input Systems. It offers infection-control medical keyboards that feature a flat design that can be quickly cleaned in place with hospital-grade disinfectants to combat cross-contamination. Users can touch-type with excellent tactile key response to swiftly document care.
Another company, Esterline Advanced Input Systems of Coeur d’Alene (Idaho) has launched the Medigenic infection control keyboard, which has won in the General Hospital Devices and Therapeutic Products category of the 2009 Medical Design Excellence Awards. This keyboard has been designed to feel like a standard desktop unit, that can withstand being cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. For ease of cleaning, the device also features an on/off button to prevent accidental keystrokes to go into the computer.
Source: Medigenic Infection-Control Keyboard. Via: Medgadget, OhGizmo.
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If its a flat keyboard - how is it possible to touch type you would be unable to locate your fingers correctly on the keyboard! And I would bet my bottom dollar that the key presses feel like crappy kiosk keyboards!