Hospitals that take steps to improve logistics reap significant rewards. Take the case of one US hospital that partnered with a medical supplier to implement a Kanban-based replenishment system for high-use items such as gloves, syringes, and bandages. The results were impressive—the hospital saw a 30% reduction in stockouts, a 25% decrease in overstocking, and increased staff satisfaction. With everything under control, clinical teams could focus more on patient care rather than on supply management tasks. Of course, logistics affect many more processes in hospitals, which is why prioritizing the movement of people and goods is essential.
Streamlining Supply Management and Flow
Hospitals can improve their efficiency by centralizing and standardizing supply systems. For instance, they can do as the hospital mentioned above and rely on visual systems (such as Kanban) to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce overspending. They can also embrace just-in-time delivery, which allows them to receive supplies when they need them, thus freeing up space in their storage rooms. Hospitals can also invest in equipment that reduces time wasted and excessive staff walking. For instance, they can use procedure carts, which are specialized carts for different purposes—including anesthesia, isolation, and medication. Each cart allows staff in specific departments to access the materials they need exactly where they need them, reducing delays in care. They can also have features like dedicated compartments for better organization, lockable sections for controlled medications, built-in inventory tracking, adjustable heights, and color-coded labeling.
Putting Staff Well-being at the Forefront
Movement efficiency should focus on time management and improved care delivery. One way to achieve this is by investing in hospital design and smart layouts. In one study of nurses and doctors, a majority of these workers experienced moderate work-related burnout due to environmental factors, such as limited daylight. Other studies have shown that redesigning a hospital to shorten patient transfer distances by about one-third improved workflow and reduced staff inefficiency. Workflow mapping can help minimize unnecessary movement. It can also be used to assign specialized workers for patient and material transport, allowing clinical staff to spend more time on patient care. Finally, real-time location systems can be used to track equipment, staff, and patients. Tracking not only improves coordination but also reduces search times.
Relying on Cutting-Edge Technology
Investing in top technology is vital for hospitals wishing to enhance the movement of materials and staff. As mentioned earlier, KPI dashboards can provide management with various key metrics, including stock-out rates, staff transport time, and patient movement patterns. AI scheduling tools and automated guided vehicles, meanwhile, can optimize supply routes and delivery timing. AI-driven logistics systems can analyze real-time data on everything from supply usage to patient admissions. They can also forecast when different departments will need the materials they need to carry out their work. Automated guided vehicles can then deliver everything from medicines to food to patients. They can be programmed to move along specific routes, without the need for human intervention. They can also be connected to hospitals’ inventory management or electronic health record (EHR) systems, adjusting their routes as needed and rerouting around crowded corridors or rescheduling deliveries if required.
Relying on Feedback from Clinicians
Before adopting new measures, hospitals must obtain feedback from staff, including nurses, technicians, and logistics personnel. These professionals can identify bottlenecks and test new solutions. Hospitals also need to invest in staff training to ensure that any new technologies adopted are understood and used to their full potential. One hospital in the UK recently invested in staff training, covering a host of topics, including tech-centered training. They found that the training supported their goals and helped teams fulfill internal quality standards. Well-trained staff understand workflows, equipment locations, and movement protocols, and why these procedures are crucial for reducing delays and errors.
Hospitals wishing to improve logistics must take various steps, starting with streamlining supply management and staff movement. This can be achieved through Kanban systems and equipment that enable staff to fulfill their roles more efficiently. It is just as important to invest in relevant technology as it is to prioritize staff well-being, starting by gathering staff feedback on logistics-related matters. Automation and AI can also free up staff time so they can focus on what matters most: caring for their patients.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of experienced healthcare writers and editors, led by managing editor Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare journalism. Since 1998, our team has delivered trusted, high-quality health and wellness content across numerous platforms.
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