As some hospitals are still recovering from massive patient volumes at the onset of the pandemic, healthcare systems continue to deliver care under strained circumstances, and inefficient, ill-prepared supply chain processes that are causing serious shortages of medical supplies. This is not only affecting the care provided now, but will have continued repercussions with the looming threat of a ‘twindemic’ – a term coined for the upcoming flu season intertwining with the rising cases of COVID-19 across the country.
To continue to protect their communities against imminent threats associated with future supply chain disruptions, healthcare facilities must have the ability to identify hidden patterns and trends to secure and properly manage the medical resources needed to treat patients and safeguard staff.
How AI, predictive analytics, and data-discovery tools can help manage supply chain disruption:
Healthcare providers must comply with a heightened level of safety practices to correct gaps in longstanding processes and provide an environment free from harm. To effectively mitigate future supply chain disruptions, hospitals require integrated risk management systems that utilize artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to remove perceived biases to enhance decision making and drive operational efficiencies. Inventory management is extremely crucial for health systems, as it allows hospitals to monitor and adjust for any unexpected risks and shortages. This includes reducing the risks that can be associated with:
- PPE availability
- Ventilator availability
- Testing supplies
- Pharmaceuticals
- Qualified staff availability
- Potential capacity issues
With data collection from the last several months of patient care during COVID-19, organizations can actively generate predictive models that allow patient safety and risk managers to create action plans based on internal hidden patterns and trends discovered. By utilizing real-time data and predictive models that remove perceived bias, hospital administrators are able to strengthen decision making processes to better help hospitals prepare for unforeseen circumstances and possible disruptions due to the ‘twindemic.’
Next steps
To learn more about how advanced analytics can prevent patient harm, improve care, and elevate safety, WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO.
