Healthcare providers should take a holistic approach to outpatient supply logistics, TECSYS Senior Director of Industry Development Nancy Pakieser told Healthcare Purchasing News.
As points of care increase and government regulations tighten, organizations must implement centralized logistics plans to ensure deliveries are on-time, efficient and cost-effective, Ms. Pakieser said.
Seven important considerations for effective supply logistics at outpatient and non-acute facilities, according to Ms. Pakieser:
1. Consider all stakeholders involved, including drivers, dispatchers, supply technicians, managers, clinicians and receivers at all the endpoints.
2. Be mindful of the chain of custody for full visibility of items in transit.
3. Adopt technology that tracks all the way to the point of delivery.
4. Understand the unique handling needs for patient specimens, records, mail, IT equipment, lab supplies, linen and laundry, biohazards and food trays.
5. Stay abreast of regulations, especially regarding track-and-trace standards.
6. Maintain information integrity and cybersecurity throughout the delivery process.
7. Explore cost-effective operations and routing paths.