If this is your first look at this Healthcare Purchasing News series, read parts 1, 2, and 3 on our blog. Continue on to part 5.
After accomplishing strategic organizational buy-in for creating a Value Analysis Team (VAT) that is positioned to take advantage of global sourcing to improve product quality and patient experiences while lowering costs, a few additional steps are needed before achieving success. This includes any formal or informal clinical trials of the improved products selected by your new VAT.
As part of the 4th piece of the ASP Global series: ‘How Value Analysis Teams (VAT) can improve overall quality, reduce costs and positively impact patient experience by engaging in global sourcing.’ Director of Value analysis Bethany Gleim describes these critical management tasks.
“Within the overarching communications program, the team will need to be alerted to, and prepared for, the depletion of the legacy products and the arrival of your globally sourced replacements…Ask yourself the following questions; has the entire supply chain team been made aware of the approved conversion? Has proper communication been sent advising the clinical staff that a legacy product is being eliminated and new product is being introduced to the organization? Has literature including product descriptions, possible differences and new MMIS numbers been placed in the stockrooms?”
To improve both patient experience and product quality while lowering costs, key oversight tasks must be completed and crucial team communications must be maintained. The VAT members, your global sourcing partner and other stakeholders have to communicate to ensure smooth product conversions.
Visit parts 1, 2, 3, and 5 of this series on our blog to learn more about how direct sourcing adds value to your organization.
If you are implementing or planning to implement a global sourcing program for your hospital or IDN, let ASP Global help you navigate the value-rich waters of global sourcing by contacting info@aspglobal.com or call (404) 990-4635.
