Encompass Health’s supply chain and clinical teams have partnered to ensure quality patient care, according to Hines. Effective supply chain management is essential for providing clinicians with the necessary supplies to deliver quality care. This collaboration is seen as a duty to ensure that clinicians have the right products at the right time.
Encompass Health’s supply chain managers have a history of collaborating with frontline clinicians in the health care system. This partnership allows for communication and collaboration between the two areas, ensuring patient care is optimized. A national task force made up of both clinical and supply chain representatives fosters this communication and collaboration within the organization.
Standardization plays a key role in improving patient care outcomes, according to Carter, Encompass Health’s strategic sourcing manager. Before implementing any standardization, products are thoroughly vetted by clinicians within the organization to ensure their efficacy. Additionally, Encompass Health has established processes for clinicians to provide ongoing feedback on product effectiveness and availability.
Cost-effectiveness is important when selecting products, but Carter emphasizes that having the right products and using them effectively can have a larger impact on savings than price alone. This integration of supply chain and clinical knowledge is crucial in ensuring that Encompass Health provides quality care while also being financially responsible.
The Summit hosted by Encompass Health brings together clinicians and supply chain professionals to share their experiences and knowledge. This partnership allows for a consistent message to be delivered to all stakeholders, enabling everyone to understand how products are used and why they are chosen.
Overall, Encompass Health’s collaboration between its supply chain and clinical teams focuses on improving patient care outcomes through effective management of supplies and products while also being mindful of costs and efficiency.
