Outpatient Leaders: Quick Product Purchasing Tips

Outpatient Leaders: Quick Product Purchasing Tips

As outpatient and ASC leaders, you’re uniquely situated at the center of surgical patient care coordination, making you knowledgeable about which products best support optimal patient care in your outpatient or ASC setting, according to Erin Kyle, DNP, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC, AORN’s editor in chief of the Guidelines for Perioperative Practice.

But staying current with the latest trends and new technologies is a challenge – particularly during the pandemic when vendors were unable to come on-site for demos. Virtual OR Excellence affords outpatient leaders the unique opportunity to engage with exhibitors in a safe and informative environment.

These tips from Kyle can help you make a lasting impact on your department’s purchasing plans this year and beyond.

Learn the evidence that backs the product’s effectiveness

Understanding what research supports the product’s use can help you make a well-informed decision about whether to pursue the purchase of an item. Ask research and development-specific questions of the exhibitors.

Have the courage to ask tough questions

In today’s world, eliminating waste, finding efficiencies, and investing in products and services that bring maximum value have never been more important. It’s not always comfortable to ask tough questions, such as what support the company offers. But as an outpatient leader, it’s your job to get a better deal and improved products.

Plan to evaluate the product in your actual work setting before making a purchase

Determine your organization’s product needs in advance of a product acquisition or change. Many organizations funnel decisions about purchasing through a committee that systematically considers specific decision points.

Keep disinfection and sterilization methods in mind for reusable surgical instruments

Especially when considering surgical instruments and other reusable medical devices, some facilities may not have access to the equipment and technology that is needed to process the item according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Seek solutions for the opportunities you discovered in the past year

While you may have specific products in mind, keep an open mind when you meet vendors and discover new products. You may solve an undiscovered issue before it becomes a problem. As an outpatient leader, it’s imperative that you see as many challenges as possible ahead of time before they affect your team and patients.