There’s No Mystery Behind the Clinically Integrated Supply Chain—Only Teamwork

Cultivating the shared organizational vision and strategy that a clinically integrated supply chain enables is essential in the face of increasing expenses and declining margins. But with so many different methodologies and frameworks crowding the conversation, it’s no wonder that the path to a clinically integrated supply chain can feel shrouded in mystery.

When all the noise is tuned out, however, the concept behind the clinically integrated supply chain is fairly simple. During a recent GHX-hosted panel discussion, Sara Victory, a supply chain expert who has advised dozens of hospitals across the country, boiled it down: “The clinically integrated supply chain is the synergetic marriage between clinical, operational and financial knowledge and data to improve the quality and cost of healthcare.”

But while designing and running an effective clinically integrated supply chain doesn’t have to be mysterious, it does require a lot of collaboration. Many teams and individuals throughout a health system play an equally crucial role, and because this work doesn’t follow a top-down model or a one-size-fits-all playbook, anyone—from hospital and supply chain leadership to physicians—can take the first steps toward reducing costs, improving patient outcomes and cultivating teamwork across the organization.

Expert tips for team players working toward a clinically integrated supply chain

During the panel discussion, a multidisciplinary group of GHX Lumere clinicians, supply chain experts and strategists weighed in on the various roles that teams across the health system can play:

• Hospital leaders
  "The secret sauce for an effective clinically integrated supply chain is fostering an environment where change can prosper, collaboration is embraced, and communication and transparency are top priorities." - Dan Hermes, MBA, Director of Advisory Services
• Supply chain leaders
  "Be respectful of the knowledge of clinicians and physicians...then speak to them with candor." - Sara Victory, MBA, Senior Solution Advisor
• Sourcing teams
  "Begin each sourcing project by creating a multidisciplinary committee so you can always include those influencers who have passion for driving organizational value." - Natalia Skotedis, MBA, Senior Solution Advisor
• Value analysis teams
  "Don’t worry about having the whole picture right from the beginning. Begin with a project, a contract, a stakeholder group—just start somewhere and move things one step at a time." - Suzanne Smith, BSN, RN, Principal Solution Advisor
• Clinicians
  "Look for stakeholders across the organization to bring together and collaborate with, whether that be for a general new product request process or to focus on a specific service line." - Kristin Motter, RN, BSN, CHVAP, Senior Solution Advisor
• Physicians
  "Physicians are interested in supporting the efforts of the supply chain. When they are educated on its objectives, they can help accelerate initiatives and monitor financial and clinical outcomes." - Kirtan Patel, MD

Dive deeper into these concepts by watching the full panel discussion on Demystifying the Clinically Integrated Supply Chain.