Supply Chain Managers Are Building Blocks in the Quality Improvement Infrastructure

As I’ve said before, it’s probable that no greater trend exists in health care than the movement for quality improvement and patient safety. At the foundation of quality, is patient safety and the quality processes that ensure it.

That being said, supply chain managers can build on the recent strides in patient safety improvement, and here’s why:

Quality processes encompass the entire organization.Improvements in the flow of goods and services—from logistics, stocking and procuring needed goods and services—have a huge impact on patient care, access to service and avoidance of harm. Managers can assist in the quality improvement mission of the organization by using information technology and management skills to assist clinical managers in their need to focus on patient care and clinical outcomes. Getting the right technology, devices and products in place with no hiccups makes serving the patients more effective and efficient.

Sentinel events involve supply chain more than one-tenth of the time. Medication errors and delays in treatment comprise 17 percent of sentinel events. Often these events involve supplies and purchased services managed by the sup- ply chain. From nurse staffing to device tray readiness, supply chain managers ensure a steady and predictable flow to and from clinical areas. In adverse events, they also will need to be ready with policies, procedures and demonstrated review processes. Materials managers can be a part of the error avoidance process by applying logistical know-how on everything from patient flow bottlenecks to provider access.

All hospital staff can help improve safety. Creating a culture of quality involves leadership and personal accountability. As supply chain personnel travel throughout the facility, they have the opportunity to see things hidden in plain sight, which might be something as simple as reminding staff to pick up litter and right upset furniture or fixtures to taking active role in maintaining the focus on a safe and healthy environment. Taking a moment to assist a colleague or asking a question when something seems amiss can be the difference between a difficult and costly review and a renewed and healed patient.

Bottom line: Supply chain managers play a lead role in this movement, and they are an integral part of a quality improvement infrastructure.

-Gunter Wessels

Feature image courtesy of ogimogi