Taking The Supply Chain Pulse

Healthcare supply chain leaders have largely reverted to pre-COVID practices despite ongoing vulnerabilities, while simultaneously lacking the strategic sourcing skills and upstream visibility needed to build true resilience. Dr. Randy Bradley, from the University of Tennessee's Haslam College of Business, explains why healthcare organizations remain dangerously unprepared for emerging threats like sophisticated cargo theft syndicates and global container shortages.

• Healthcare organizations have returned to pre-COVID practices despite talking about resilience
• Most healthcare entities still have no greater visibility into their upstream supply chain than before the pandemic
• Critical shortage of strategic sourcing professionals versus simple buyers who only execute existing contracts
• Suppliers openly admit health systems sign contracts with unfavorable terms they don't even recognize
• Cargo theft at record levels with sophisticated crime syndicates altering electronic bills of lading
• Automation increasingly necessary not because it replaces workers but because workers aren't available
• Healthcare must shift from "what's in it for me" to "what's in it for we" through integrated negotiations

If you have a topic you'd like to discuss or want to be a guest, you can reach out to Fred directly at [email protected].

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Healthcare can instantly notify you about a critical lab result, but struggles to track the implant in your body. Why? Ed Hisscock, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Trinity Health, has spent his career wrestling with this paradox.

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Healthcare supply chains face unprecedented challenges amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ed Hisscock of Trinity Health shares insights on managing these crises, focusing on issues like talent shortages and data transparency. Discussion on supply chain issues in healthcare. Examination of workforce shortages and industry demands. Effective strategies for supplier partnership and accountability. 

If you have a topic you'd like to discuss or want to be a guest on the show, you can reach out to Fred directly at fcrans@stongecom.  

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This episode explores the integration of people, processes, and technology within the healthcare supply chain, with insights from George Godfrey of Baptist Health of South Florida. A proactive approach to staffing, financial pressures, and technology adoption reveals how healthcare organizations can enhance efficiency and patient care.

• Staff shortages impacting recruitment and retention 
• Financial pressures leading to strategic sourcing and cost management 
• Technology integration addressing supply chain disruptions 
• Contingency planning for natural disasters and manufacturing consolidation 
• Automation and CRM systems improving invoice matching and resource management

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We dive into the challenges and successes of critical access hospitals with Ted Rogalski, shedding light on their vital role in rural healthcare and the complexities of the supply chain in the industry. Ted shares insights into the operations, financial strategies, and the future of these hospitals within larger health systems while touching on the importance of community connections. 

• Exploring Ted Rogalski's journey in healthcare supply chain management 
• The critical role of supply chain in healthcare operations 
• Differences between critical access hospitals and traditional healthcare systems 
• The financial mechanisms that support these hospitals 
• Importance of collaboration among critical access hospitals 
• Integration challenges within larger health networks 
• Future growth strategies for rural healthcare services 
• Personal insights on family and community impact on professional life

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The healthcare landscape is undergoing significant changes driven by labor shortages, technology integration, and the need for efficient operations. This episode emphasizes the importance of designing hospitals with adaptable systems that leverage technology for improved patient care and operational efficiency.

• Labor shortages shape healthcare design and operational priorities 
• New construction allows for greater flexibility in incorporating advanced technologies 
• Existing hospitals face unique challenges in integrating updated systems 
• Effective dock planning supports operational efficiency and supply management 
• Robotics play a crucial role in both back-of-house and patient-facing operations 
• Differentiating distribution needs for clinical items vs. pharmacy supplies is vital for compliance

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Lisa Rogalski shares her transformative journey through the healthcare supply chain, highlighting the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and innovation in driving success. She discusses her transition from Genesis to Trinity Health and her focus on enhancing the value analysis framework across diverse regions.

• Lisa's background from clinical roles to supply chain leadership
• The significant impact of mentorship on career development
• Challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a larger system
• Strategies for team building and governance in supply chain
• Adapting to varying maturity levels across different regions
• Importance of innovation in technology assessment and procurement
• Identifying key products and managing potential substitutes
• Goals for enhancing collaboration and standardization in operations

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Jane Pleasants shares her inspiring journey from education to becoming a key leader in healthcare supply chain management. The episode discusses the challenges and opportunities within academic medical centers and highlights the importance of collaboration and patient-focused strategies in transforming the healthcare supply chain.

• Overview of Jane Pleasance's career path 
• Insights into academic medical center supply chains 
• Importance of leadership credibility in healthcare settings 
• Role of SMI in fostering collaborative partnerships 
• Lessons learned from the mission trip to Zambia 
• Emphasis on keeping patient care at the center of supply chain strategies

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Uncover the essential strategies for crisis-proofing your healthcare supply chain with insights from industry leaders. Join me, Fred Crans, as I sit down with Steve Downey of the Cleveland Clinic and Leanne Hester from Resilinc to explore the crucial question: How can healthcare systems prepare for the unexpected? From the devastating impact of natural disasters like hurricanes to the rising threat of cyberattacks, our expert guests reveal the proactive measures necessary to maintain product availability and ensure seamless patient care.

Gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of global supply chain resilience, especially the challenges posed by reliance on international suppliers like China. Hear firsthand how past crises such as Hurricane Maria have shaped the risk assessment strategies that prioritize both cost and resilience. Discover the vital role of the Health Industry Resiliency Coalition and how their efforts are driving smarter sourcing decisions and improved inventory management practices.

For smaller healthcare organizations grappling with resource constraints, this episode offers practical advice on crafting effective disaster mitigation plans. Learn about the importance of prioritizing critical suppliers, employing the 80-20 rule to focus on key elements, and convincing senior leadership of the need for preparedness. Take inspiration from a success story in Vermont, where leveraging software solutions helped a smaller IDN stay ahead of crises, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of technology-driven resilience in healthcare supply chains.

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