Pathstone Partners’ Strategies for Supporting Hospitals
The recent announcement by the FDA regarding the ongoing shortage of IV fluid containers highlights the significant challenges facing hospitals and healthcare providers. With shortages expected to persist through March 2025, hospitals are grappling with how to meet patient needs amidst constrained supply. At Pathstone Partners, we understand the complexities of such supply chain disruptions and are committed to providing solutions that ensure continuity of care and operational efficiency.
Here’s how Pathstone Partners would help hospitals navigate this critical issue:
Standardization: Exploring Alternative Sourcing Methods
Pathstone’s team would begin by evaluating the hospital’s current sourcing practices. Many hospitals rely on long-standing vendor relationships, but in times of shortages, testing the market can reveal alternative suppliers with available stock.
- Review existing vendor agreements for flexibility.
- Obtain quotes from multiple vendors to identify potential alternatives.
- Navigate contractual constraints and provide guidance if exclusivity clauses are present.
- By diversifying supply options, hospitals can mitigate the risk of disruptions tied to a single vendor.
Utilization: Reducing Waste and Maximizing Resources
Another critical step is to analyze current IV fluid utilization processes to identify opportunities to minimize waste. For example, unused IV fluids removed from stockrooms and later discarded represent preventable losses.
- Conduct a process review to identify waste points.
- Develop staff education programs to optimize IV fluid use.
- Introduce protocols for more efficient stock rotation and usage tracking.
- These measures not only conserve valuable supplies but also foster a culture of resource mindfulness among staff.
Strategic Alliances: Partnering with Nearby Health Systems
In times of scarcity, collaboration is key. Pathstone would assist hospitals in exploring partnerships with nearby health systems to share resources and secure more favorable vendor agreements.
- Identify geographically close health systems open to collaboration.
- Facilitate the creation of mutual aid agreements to share IV supplies when needed.
- Explore joint contracts with vendors, leveraging combined purchasing volumes to negotiate better terms.
- This approach fosters resilience and resource-sharing across the healthcare ecosystem.
Pathstone’s Commitment to Innovation and Support
The IV fluid shortage underscores the importance of adaptive strategies in healthcare supply chain management. At Pathstone Partners, our expertise lies in helping hospitals navigate complex challenges with tailored, actionable solutions. From sourcing alternatives to fostering alliances, we ensure that hospitals remain equipped to meet patient needs without compromising care quality.
The Pathstone team is proud to be a trusted partner for hospitals nationwide, delivering innovative strategies that turn challenges into opportunities. Together, we can create a resilient and efficient healthcare system. If your hospital is navigating supply chain challenges, connect with Pathstone Partners to learn how we can support your team.
