Outsourcing the Management of Reusable Medical Devices in a Chain-Wide Care Setting: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Logistics
• Medical Device Management
• Integrated Care Systems

Background:

• Managing reusable medical devices presents significant cost and complexity challenges in healthcare.
• Inefficiencies in device management can negatively impact care quality, patient safety, and operational costs.
• Optimizing logistical processes is crucial for effective medical device utilization by healthcare staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a logistical intervention involving outsourcing and a web portal for medical device management.
• To evaluate user acceptability, implementation success, and preliminary efficacy of the proposed intervention.
• To provide actionable insights for practitioners and researchers in healthcare logistics and device management.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted at a large Dutch healthcare provider.
• The intervention involved outsourcing noncritical reusable medical devices and implementing a web portal for management.
• Data collection included questionnaires, observations, interviews, stocktaking, and information system analysis for device utilization and costs.

Main Results:

• High user satisfaction with ordering and delivery processes was reported.
• Preliminary efficacy showed reduced wheelchair utilization and a halted increase in anti-pressure ulcer mattress use.
• Shorter ordering and delivery times were observed, alongside increased device certification, indicating improved safety and hygiene.

Conclusions:

• The intervention integrating outsourced management and a web portal is feasible, demonstrating acceptability, successful implementation, and preliminary efficacy.
• Integrated medical device management holds potential for cost reduction, waste minimization, and enhanced care quality.
• Challenges in implementation persist, particularly concerning diverse supply chains and financing complexities.