INFECTION PREVENTION
automated workflows and systems, the number of manual touches is significantly reduced. For instance, automated and opti- mized preference cards lead to a reduction in picks and returns, consequently minimiz- ing the risk of contamination. This successful supply chain effort not only enhanced oper- ational efficiency but also makes a tangible impact on infection prevention, waste reduc- tion, and financial stewardship.” Alice Brewer, Senior Director, Clinical Affairs at Tru-D, asserted, “It’s imperative for infection prevention and supply chain to collaborate in order to meet the needs of a healthcare facility and maintain low levels of infection risks. The relationship is a two-way street— both departments need to communicate effectively and deliver on their goals and objectives.” She suggested strategies such as commu- nicating product needs, setting expectations, and managing inventory outlooks to help both departments work successfully within any facility.
Alice Brewer
Brewer added, “IP should approach sup- ply chain early and often. Although not always recognized as such, supply chain is often the first link in the infection prevention chain. If IP leads the charge and takes own- ership of the relationship, then supply chain can be better prepared to meet their needs.” She summed up, “If infection and pre-
vention and supply chain cannot work together and maintain a balanced relation- ship, patient outcomes could potentially become compromised. Regardless of which department initiates the relationship, it is imperative that the two work together to ensure the highest levels of cleanliness and disinfection to help curb the spread of infections.”
Most Important Part of Partnership
Among the many contributing factors in the relationship between IP and Supply Chain, industry professionals tend to agree that communication and shared information are the most important to success across both departments.
Neal Buchalter, President of Parker Laboratories, said, “In the rapidly expand- ing realm of procedures making use of ultrasound technologies, both infec- tion preventionists and supply chain specialists can become confused because of the many fac- tors that must be consid-
Neal Buchalter ered when selecting appropriate cleaners
and disinfectants. Building a shared and evidence-based understanding of how clinical procedures, infection prevention, and supply selection can be coordinated is an important way to ensure ultrasound equipment can be properly cleaned and maintained.”
He added, “Suppliers have an important role to play, by responding to the needs of healthcare facilities with equipment and supplies that make procedures faster, easier, and safer to accomplish. Suppliers also need to take into consideration the effectiveness of products within the workflow of the clinicians. For example, does the product require expensive equipment and mainte- nance, ventilation, or plumbing? Does the product allow for true point of care process- ing? If suppliers respond appropriately to the needs of the marketplace, clinicians and supply chain specialists shouldn’t have to work hard to find the supplies they need to do their jobs.” Diversey’s Becker said, “The most import-
ant element in the relationship between supply chain and infection prevention is communication and collaboration. It is cru- cial for healthcare facilities to have open lines of communication between their sup- ply chain team and infection prevention team. This allows for shared information and coordination to ensure that the nec- essary supplies, such as personal protec- tive equipment (PPE), disinfectants, and pharmaceuticals, are readily available to prevent and control infections. Additionally, collaboration helps in identifying potential risks and challenges in the supply chain and implementing appropriate measures to address them.”
Becker continued, “Providing cross-func-
tional training sessions for infection control teams, supply chain managers, and health- care professionals can help in improving their understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities. This can also foster better collaboration and decision-making.” Turner from Tecsys pointed out the ben-
efits of effective communication. He said, “The most important element in the rela- tionship between infection prevention and supply chain is effective communication and feedback. This empowers both teams to carry out their tasks efficiently, while enabling swift adjustments to meet the ever-evolving clinical needs and ensure optimal patient safety. Whether it involves establishing standardized practices or pivot- ing to contingencies because of a disruptive event, having a foundation built around information sharing becomes the corner- stone for achieving successful outcomes. That relationship also sets the stage for impactful joint efforts, like those that focus on standardization and automation, to help
reduce the chance of errors and support better infection prevention practices.” Acknowledging the balance that must be maintained between the IP and Supply Chain departments, Tru-D’s Brewer explained, “Communication and sharing of information are incredibly important to the relationship between infection preven- tion and supply chain. Each department has access to, or knowledge of, things that the other may not, which can significantly impact both purchasing and implementation of products. The exchange of this informa- tion can help to reduce issues like shortages or incorrect product placement or usage.” She added, “Supply chain is often the first
link in the infection prevention chain, and IP and supply chain should acknowledge that they are operating under the same goals and purpose, and communicate clearly and often to successfully achieve those goals.”
Bottom-line Benefits A well-balanced partnership between IP and Supply Chain not only produces daily benefits to patients and healthcare workers, but it also provides bottom-line cost savings within the facility, which serves to benefit the healthcare industry as a whole. But is there any more that departments and health- care facilities can be doing to increase the cost savings to everyone? According to Richard Hayes, President at UVDI, “As it relates to UV room disinfection technologies, healthcare professionals already are taxed with a wide range of prod- uct claims and support.
Richard Hayes
Because Supply Chain professionals and Infection Preventionists must carefully vet all potential devices to ensure they meet all institutional efficacy and safety needs, it is key for manufacturers to provide clear, independently supported product claims that are representative of use in practice. Providing clear, evidence-based product performance is often the first box to check in value-analysis-based decision-making and can unlock greater cost efficiencies and better outcomes.” Tru-D’s Brewer pointed out how creative purchasing can help increase cost savings for facilities. “Healthcare facilities can look for ways to improve cost-effectiveness by being creative with purchasing, such as buying items as a bundle with other approved products or in bulk to save on price. Facilities can also consider being part of a group purchasing organization to leverage lower prices. Also, consider the techniques and products used for infection prevention—is what you’re using effective? Is there a better alternative?
hpnonline.com • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS • August 2023 19
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