Page 54 - 2021 MHA Start-up Guide

This is it! You’ve planned and planned, and now you’re ready to design and purchase your mobile
health vehicle. So, what now?

You should already have your mission statement in place, but now’s a good time to review it with
stakeholders . This process will help determine the general design parameters prior to detailed
design .
• First, describe in detail the complete clinical purpose or purposes for the vehicle.
• Note how the vehicle will be used and under what operational and seasonal conditions.
Are there weather or elevation-related considerations to keep in mind, such as high wind
speeds? (Tip: If you plan to operate in an area with unpredictable weather patterns, con-
sider installing a weather radio in your vehicle .)
• Determine the likely vehicle staffing and internal space demands, client numbers and flow,
parking availability at set up sites, access to utilities, and geographic range to be covered .

Once you’ve completed this exercise and are on the same page with
your stakeholders, you can begin considering purchase, design and
One of the key build options . Some vendors have an expertise in designing and man-
benefits of being a ufacturing units for specific type of care modality.
member of the Mobile
Healthcare Association is Vehicle purchasing options
Finding the right manufacturer for your mobile health vehicle can
assistance in finding be a gargantuan task. Will you buy or lease? Go new or used? If
the right vehicle for your program will only operate a few times a week, you might consid-
your program. er sharing a vehicle with a nearby mobile program with similar needs .

One of the key benefits of being a member of the Mobile Healthcare
Association is assistance in finding the right vehicle for your program. The
Association can connect your program to manufacturers, identify used vehicles that might be a
fit and provide guidance on the right vehicle type for your needs.

52 MOBILE HEALTH CARE PROGRAM STAR T-UP GUIDE