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Streamlining perioperative supply management
can increase patient care through time and cost efficiencies By Roger Bourbonnais, Vice President of Acute Care at Medline Canada, Corporation erioperative leaders are challenged daily to keep OR procedures flowing smoothly, consistently and within budget to deliver the best care. It can be overwhelming trying to juggle all the details – complex case types, supplies, vendors, throughput, information systems, etc. Hospitals may not recognize that supply partners can offer expertise in recommending and implementing customized processes and strategies that can lead to many OR efficiencies. In a fast-paced OR environment, time and staff are priceless commodities. Streamlining processes that minimize unnecessary tasks while optimizing throughput can positively affect the OR. Time and cost savings can be spent on patient care while helping to
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alleviate the pressure of the post-pandemic surgical backlog. Medline is equipped to support hospitals with evaluations of existing OR throughput and can recommend and provide expertise in implementing efficient practices.
STREAMLINING THE MANAGEMENT OF SURGICAL RESOURCES
Medline understands what it takes to deliver a high performing OR. We have the experience and expertise to uncover the gaps, build a plan and see it through, making our customers’ jobs easier. Data from a Canadian customer utilizing our Complete Delivery System found a 96% reduction in touchpoints, which gave time back to staff and more time for patient care.
CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS FOR TOP OR CHALLENGES
The OR is a complex environment with multiple challenges and competing priorities. Medline’s approach is to understand an OR’s goals and initiatives, build a plan and track progress. Each solution is as unique as the site, staff, and patient needs. To start, we look at the following: • Spend reduction: to identify all opportunities for quick and measurable savings through clinically equivalent product alternatives, labour efficiencies and maximized throughput. • Clinical practice: to concentrate on solutions that can add efficiencies while also helping improve patient outcomes through reducing care variation.
• Workflow and logistics: to gain control and cost-savings by streamlining inventory and optimizing space and processes by assessing inventory levels to reduce product obsolescence or additional supply management solutions. There are only so many hours in a day and many essential tasks in the OR demand time and attention. When they stack up, staff may spend less time with their patients. Collaborating with experts in OR efficiencies is the first step to freeing up time and alleviating the pressures ORs face daily. It’s about thinking beyond product supply and partnering with experts who can bear some of the pressure. Ultimately, process improvements in perioperative supply management may unlock more H time for patient care.n
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MAY 2023 HOSPITAL NEWS 13