Health Care Administrator Good supply chain strategies aim to maximize return on investment

Health Care Administrator Good supply chain strategies aim to maximize return on investment


Good supply chain strategies aim to maximize return on investment, minimize supply and inventory costs, and improve service levels (Langabeer, p. 218). For this Discussion, you will focus on a specific type of medical supply and explain strategies and barriers in managing its supply chain.

Begin by selecting a medical supply to research and examine in terms of its supply chain management. This supply may be a type of drug or pharmaceutical, a medical-surgical supply (such as injection syringes), or a medical device (such as a pacemaker). For ideas on supplies to choose, see Ozcan, page 265. Identify also the health care setting and end user for which this supply is intended, such as a patient in a nursing home or outpatient clinic.

Prepare for this Discussion by reviewing this week's Learning Resources about supply chain issues regarding this supply. In addition:

Refer to the diagram on page 264 in the Ozcan text, and think through the steps of the supply chain of this item, from the manufacturer to the end user.
Through library and other online research find out more about this supply chain, including key financial or clinical factors of this selected health care supply. For example:

What are the pros and cons of just-in-time vs. traditional inventory for this supply?
What is or might be involved in the purchasing process?
What logistical issues are important?
How is technology being used to make this supply chain more efficient or effective?
Would a group purchasing organization (GPO) be appropriate for this supply?

Would this supply chain be strongly impacted by physician preferences? For expensive supplies, who should get to choose, and why? Review the challenges to operations management related to physican preferences. Consider the strategies to address this issue, keeping in mind the objectives of containing costs and maintaining quality and safety.
Post by Day 4 a response to the following:


Identify in the first line of your posting the type of medical supply and end user you selected.

Briefly describe the supply chain path of this item from its source to the end user. Indicate who is, or might be, involved in an efficient, cost-effective supply chain management of this item.

Describe other financial or clinical factors that should be considered in the management of this supply, such as just-in-time inventory, or the use of GPOs.

Briefly discuss operational challenges that are posed by physician preferences for this supply, if appropriate, or for other medical supplies. Propose one management strategy that could help address cost issues without jeopardizing quality or safety.