A new Cardinal Health survey finds that healthcare providers need better operating rooms (OR) supply chain management systems to reduce costs and support patient safety. The survey of 305 surgical staff and hospital supply chain decision-makers fielded by SERMO provides insight into the current inventory management needs of operating rooms in the U.S.
Financial challenges persist across health care systems. And while the OR is among the top revenue drivers for a hospital, it’s also one of the most costly areas to run. Nearly half (40 percent) of respondents revealed they’ve actually canceled a case, and more than two-thirds (69 percent) have delayed a case because of missing supplies. Furthermore, 27 percent have seen or heard of an expired product being used on a patient, and 23 percent have seen or heard of a patient harmed due to a lack of supplies.
“Financial challenges persist across health care systems, and the operating room is one of the most costly areas to run,” said John Roy, vice president and general manager at Cardinal Health Inventory Management Solutions. “Fortunately, there is a clear solution to support patient safety and reduce surgical case cancellations: better supply chain management.”
Other findings from the survey include:
Current inventory management systems aren’t current:
– The survey found that OR surgeons and nurses are frustrated with their hospital’s current manual inventory process.
– The majority (83 percent) of respondents’ organizations are manually counting in some part of their supply chain, while only 15 percent have automated RFID systems. However, respondents see the benefits of automation.
– One in four say automated systems free up time to focus on patients and support better outcomes, and 39 percent agree automation reduces costs.
OR clinicians are ready to support positive change:
– Nearly all (92 percent) frontline providers surveyed see the need for an inventory management system designed for the specific volume and nature of supplies in the OR.
– Although supply chain decision makers are most responsible for cutting costs, surgeons and OR nurses recognize the importance and are up for the challenge.
– The majority (77 percent) would like to be more involved in supply chain decision-making, nearly half say “saving money helps us all,” and three in four contend that quality patient care can be maintained while reducing costs.
Survey Background/Methodology
The Cardinal Health study was fielded Nov. 2 – Nov. 15, 2017, using an online survey methodology. The samples were drawn from SERMO’s Online Respondent Panel of Health Care Providers, which includes over 600,000 medical professionals in the United States. The study included 305 respondents total from health care organizations varying in size, specialty and practice area. Respondents included frontline clinicians (n=128), operating room supply chain decision-makers (n=100), and hospital/supply chain administrators (n=77).
