Preventing Unsustainable Sustainability
Source: Healthcare Purchasing News
What are some common mistakes made, along with some suggestions on making good? Sustainability experts share their thoughts.
The most common mistake that supply chain leaders make when implementing a [single-use device] reprocessing program is focusing on purchase price instead of the volume of reprocessed product as the key factor in delivering savings. This includes contract bundling agreements where the original device manufacturer designs the agreement to limit a hospital’s ability to reprocess. Some SUD reprocessing contracts bundle reprocessed devices with original devices or capital equipment. These contracts might require the purchase of one new device for every two reprocessed, and if a minimum purchase volume is met, the health system may receive a discount on the new devices. These terms and conditions might look attractive on paper, but these contracts can fall short of meeting expectations. Maximum savings are achieved by minimizing the number of new devices purchased. To avoid contracting pitfalls, select a vendor that doesn’t tie reprocessing savings to minimum purchase requirements for new devices.
Another common mistake is believing program education is only necessary at the program’s inception. Long-term success of reprocessing is dependent upon constant education, measurement and promotion of results.
– Bill Scott, Senior Director of Marketing, Stryker Sustainability Solutions