Editor’s Note:This article serves as a primer for a series on hospital supply chains, planned alongside Healthcare Dive. For more information on any of the issues presented below, click on the numbered headers and you will be redirected to a full article.
Supply chain managers are used to cost-cutting drives. When expenses rise or revenues fall, it is their job to find savings through logistics, procurement or operational efficiency. But it's a whole different ball-game when you throw patients into the mix.
The patient-centered supply chain cannot extend lead times, procure a different product, or afford to run out of inventory. For that reason, hospitals typically see supply chain as a cost of doing business: a necessary evil weighing down profitability — but does it have to be this way?
We explore this question in a recent series conducted jointly with Healthcare Dive. First, Jeff Byers looks to the reasons driving hospitals to cut costs. Then, Rich Weissman argues hospitals can avoid the deterioration of patient care if they focus on supply chain fundamentals. Deborah Abrams Kaplan then dives deeper with two articles exploring healthcare distribution models, and a case study, before four industry experts weigh in with their thoughts.
As rising expenses threaten the viability of traditional healthcare distribution methods, we invite you to read more on how hospitals seek to maintain patient care while spending less on their supply chain:
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Why hospitals will face greater cost containment efforts in 2018
Providers will try to rein in costs next year with a renewed focus on labor, purchase services and supply chain. Read More >>
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How hospitals can turn cost-cutting drives into an advantage
Healthcare may be unique in its patient-centric focus, but the fundamentals of supply chains remain the same regardless of the industry. Read More >>
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2 ways hospitals are taking control of their supply chain
Whether through just-in-time delivery or a consolidated service center, hospitals are turning to self-distribution models in order to cut costs. Read More >>
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Is self-distribution right for your hospital system?
Consider these factors before you make changes to your time-sensitive supply chain. Read More >>
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How can healthcare supply chains improve? Experts weigh in.
From supplier relations to distribution to inventory management, healthcare is seen as one of the greatest opportunities for supply chain improvement. Here's why. Read More >>
