Easy order system for materials services customers

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Hospital Operations

Background:

• Inefficient identification and delivery of patient-requested items at the Hospital of Saint Raphael.
• Materials Services Center (MSC) staff experienced frustration due to guesswork in fulfilling medical floor needs.
• Nursing staff reported high error rates in received supplies, leading to dissatisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address inefficiencies in the hospital's item identification and delivery system.
• To reduce errors in supply delivery to patient care units.
• To improve the accuracy of supply charges and reduce inter-floor borrowing.

Main Methods:

• Development of a standardized catalog for hospital supplies.
• Implementation of order transaction forms linked to item numbers and descriptions.
• Matching of supply requests with the new catalog and forms.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in customer satisfaction levels.
• Substantial decrease in lost or misallocated supply charges.
• Improved accuracy and efficiency in the delivery of requested items.

Conclusions:

• A standardized catalog and order form system effectively resolved supply chain inefficiencies.
• The implemented system enhanced accuracy, reduced errors, and improved overall satisfaction.
• Optimized hospital supply management leads to better operational and financial outcomes.