5 Questions to Ask Virtual Vendors

5 Questions to Ask Virtual Vendors

The exhibitors who attend, the products they promote, the educational materials they provide — it’s all coordinated virtually this year for Virtual OR Excellence 2020 to help you support your outpatient surgery center or ASC and, ultimately, your patients. Identifying the right fit for your team, though, can be difficult. When you see a product that piques your interest, it’s important to know what information you’ll need to take back to your workplace. Arm yourself with the following questions to properly evaluate a purchase for your OR.

1. How long has this item been available in the U.S. market, and what outcomes data have been reported associated with use of the product? Ask for published, peer-reviewed scientific literature, and take whatever information is available.

2. Are there adverse events associated with the use of this product, and, if so, how has your company used that information for improvement of the product or equipment?

3. If my organization requests a trial of this product, what does your company provide in the way of supporting that trial with products and education?

4. What does support look like in the long term if our organization chooses to purchase your product?

5. Does your company have a purchasing agreement with my organization? Does the cost of this item reduce costs in other areas of patient care (such as cost savings associated with avoiding surgical site infection), and can you provide literature that supports these claims?
   
   

Bonus Question:

If the item is reusable, such as an instrument:  What COVID-19 disinfection and sterilization methods are recommended in the instructions for use (IFU) for this product? This is particularly important when considering instrumentation because organizations may or may not have access to the equipment and technology that is currently needed to process the item.