Innovating for Better Outcomes: The Case for Exploring Beyond Existing Contracts in Hospital Supply Chains
Hospitals are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency (while reducing costs). A key area where innovation can make a significant impact is with the adoption of new medical device technologies. However, one challenge that often arises is the tendency of hospital supply chains to rely on existing contracts, even when they may not offer the best available technology.
To truly advance patient care, hospitals must be open to exploring new and often uncontracted devices. These innovative technologies, often not yet widely adopted, can offer better outcomes and operational efficiencies compared to their more established counterparts.
Fewer Complications: Advanced devices often incorporate the latest research and developments, which may provide for improved outcome profiles. Data from a retrospective study of 205 patients has already demonstrated a 6X reduction in catheter failures versus standard polyurethane (Bunch, J., J of Infusion Nursing 2022). That’s 6x less often that a nurse needed to spend time trying to “unclog” a clotted catheter, 6x less a device needed to be completely replaced, 6X less that a patient needed to go through the process of reinsertion of a device.
Cost-Effectiveness: While new technologies might seem expensive initially, their long-term benefits in reducing complications and hospital stays can make them a cost-effective choice. A 2022 publication by Dr. Nancy Moureau indicated the potential for $1.8 Million in savings by switching to consistently hydrophilic catheters (Moureau, N. Int J of Nursing & HC Research, 2022). This publication reviewed the CMS data associated with the cost of catheter complications and compared it to the frequency of complications seen in the literature. Pairing this data with the reduction in complications observed in the retrospective data on the HydroMID and HydroPICC – there’s a clear potential for savings. If a new innovative device seems either more expensive or if there’s concern about loss of rebates and contract value – looking at these other costs holistically can help determine the true cost of a device. (Read more on economic data at www.accessvascularinc.com/economics)
Improved Patient Outcomes: The primary goal of any healthcare institution is to improve patient outcomes, and new technologies often offer significant advancements in this regard. A recent retrospective case series of 29 subjects demonstrated an average 15.8 days dwell time for HydroMID while the industry standard is 6 days (Chopra V. BMJ Qual Saf. 2019.) . With more than double the dwell time, the patients in this series were able to reduce the number of times they needed to be poked with a needle. This same case series also demonstrated no phlebitis for the HydroMID devices despite what’s seen in the industry of up to 35% (Tagalakis V, et al. Am J Med. 2002 Aug). (https://www.accessvascularinc.com/news/new-access-vascula-retrospective-data-review-demonstrates-midline-catheters-composed-of-advanced-biomaterials-may-improve-dwell-times Additional data on file at AVI.)
One recent customer that adopted the HydroMID devices – a large acute care hospital chain in the Northeast, saw substantial improvements in their dwell time and blood returned following the adoption of the HydroMID devices compared to their previous AST midlines. 85% of their catheters lasted the duration of therapy and a significant percentage maintained blood return for the duration of therapy. This hospital had initially decided to pursue the newer technology with the hopes of outperforming their existing devices. Since the initial evaluation – they have said they can “trust these devices” and are using as many as 100 lines per month. It took the initial leap of faith with new technology –to decide if the outcomes are worth it and the data was able to help convince the remaining hospital stakeholders. (Data on file at AVI and originally presented at AVA 2023).
Often innovation is tied to leading-edge hospitals – when the DaVinci robots were first introduced – there were concerns about costs, training, safety, etc. But – once hospitals that were focused on best-in-class patient care and innovation took the leap– the results were clear and the technology quickly became widespread.
It's common for institutions to resist change, especially when it involves financial commitments outside of established and often well-negotiated contracts. These concerns can usually be mitigated with “new technology” clauses that are in most established contracts. This allows a portion of the sales of a particular contracted item to be held aside for any innovation in that category that comes along.
Hospitals recognize that they don’t want to be left behind and leave this clause in most contracts to allow for innovation to be evaluated and adopted. If you’re interested in pursuing a new technology and are told that there’s already a contract with another vendor in place – ask about the new technology clause. Another option is to ask for a comparison evaluation. Take the time to baseline your existing technology – how long is set up, how well the device does its intended purpose – last in the body, blood return, etc and then do the same thing with the new technology. These results will help make the case for innovation – often demonstrating savings in time for the team, improved experience for patients, and reduction in costs for items such as tPA for clotted lines.
Hospitals have a responsibility to provide the best possible care, and this includes being open to new and innovative medical device technologies. While staying within the comfort zone of existing contracts might seem safer, it can often limit the potential for improved patient care and operational efficiency.
Let’s encourage supply chain decision-makers to look beyond existing contracts and consider the broader benefits of adopting innovative medical device technologies. Staying informed about the latest advancements and being willing to explore uncontracted options for the betterment of patient care will help our healthcare system. For more information on HydroMID or HydroPICC visit www.accessvascularinc.com/contactus
By AVI Marketing
