How Hospitals Can Adapt to Supply Chain Disruptions

COVID-19 has brought increasingly disruptive ripple effects across each of the world’s industries, but healthcare has been hit particularly hard.

In addition to managing the increased stressors associated directly with the pandemic, healthcare providers the world over are dealing with the fallout of severe disruptions throughout their supply chains.

In uncertain periods such as this, TPC stands ready to assist its Member hospitals in finding agile solutions to these disruptions that allow operations to remain as close to normal as possible as we collectively work through the challenges set in front of us.

As COVID-19 Proves, Healthcare Providers Must Be Ready to Pivot at a Moment’s Notice

Though COVID-19 is far from the first disruptive force healthcare supply chains have been asked to navigate, it has presented some unique challenges.

It’s more important than ever to evaluate best practices in adapting and responding to these disruptions.

First, it’s critical to thoroughly review not only your own supply chain, but the state of key drugs, other products, and their manufacturers. The FDA has been diligent in working with manufacturers of both drugs and medical equipment to get an idea of exactly how disruptive this pandemic might be, and it’s important that you leverage that information as often as you can to formulate a plan of attack that addresses potential impacts on your own supply chain.

Proactive risk management plans, data sharing and collaboration can ensure you’re firmly on the front line in fighting these disruptions and continuing to provide the key services and quality care for your patients.

Several best practices have also been recommended during this pandemic, including:

• Providing education regarding COVID-19 to staff.
• Rationing masks and personal protective equipment and curtailing areas where these products are available for use.
• Managing N-95 mask usage and creating a proactive plan regarding nurses who will use the masks, careful attention to reuse guidelines, and more.

TPC is Proud to Help Guide You Through Uncertainty

As uncertainty mounts in the face of these supply chain disruptions, TPC is, as always, committed to acting as your guide toward proactive, beneficial action and working to source new suppliers and evaluate innovative solutions to assist our Members in their time of need.

With TPC’s ongoing commitment to communication and support, you can be confident in your ability to navigate these temporary disruptions and continue providing the best possible care to your patients.

Disruptions are going to occur, and COVID-19 is far from the last – however, by being flexible in addressing these challenges, we can work together to find solutions, providing valuable support within the TPC Member family.

To learn more or reach out with any specific questions, visit tpc1.com.