The number of blood donations continues to drop in the U.S., which has some federal health officials concerned about the implications, according to a KIRO 7 news report.  

Five drugs or medical devices approved by the FDA since March 8:

Healthcare organizations face many challenges in managing their supply chains. But there are a few problems that supply chain managers can avoid to improve inventory management, standardization and efficiency to save money for their organizations.

Alignment of clinical and supply chain objectives can positively influence costs and patient outcomes. However, in order to reap the benefits of alignment, organizations must work to break down communication silos, optimize workflows, and generate buy-in among both staff and leadership.

Direct manufacturer shipments work independently and in their own silos, which can affect how the overall hospital supply chain operates.

Four recent drugs or medical devices approved by the FDA since March 1:

Hospital leaders see improving supply chain management as a way to counter rapidly declining margins, a new survey conducted by Sage Growth Partners suggests.  

Drone delivery has long been promised to disrupt the transportation industry and improve access to medical supplies, especially in rural areas. But where does it stand?

A recent press release by Premier Inc. released its inflation estimates, projecting price inflation for pharmaceuticals. 

Some healthcare facilities have implemented extra precautions for embryo storage after a freezer system failure caused the loss of 4,000 eggs and embryos at a University Hospitals clinic in Cleveland last year. However, the situation did not empower federal agencies to implement greater oversight on fertility centers' equipment and processes, according to an investigative report from NBC News.

Utilization data is a critical resource to help make informed decisions. It helps to reveal standardization opportunities, which is key to saving money.

The operating room (OR) needs better supply chain management systems and analytics to help reduce costs and support patient safety, according to a Cardinal Health survey of surgical staff and hospital supply chain decision-makers.

Four recent drugs or medical devices approved by the FDA since Feb. 22:

Below are five of the top supply chain stories published by Becker's Hospital Review in February, beginning with the most popular:

Hospital pharmacies' role continues to evolve. Today, they play a critical role in delivering safe, effective care for patients. They are also uniquely positioned to improve patient outcomes, cut drug expenses and accelerate operational efficiencies to help health systems meet hospitalwide strategic initiatives.

Supply chain challenges can arise when clinical and supply chain teams do not effectively communicate, often leading to frustration and misalignment that can affect patient outcomes.

While technology and automating supply chain processes has played an important role in driving change in the healthcare supply chain, more needs to be done, Tina Vatanka Murphy, chief revenue officer of Global Healthcare Exchange wrote in a blog post on SupplyChainBrain.com. 

FedEx unveiled an autonomous vehicle that will help retailers make same-day deliveries, according to myarklamiss.com.

Device maker Medtronic will close its facility in Portsmouth, N.H., which will affect about 150 jobs, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader.

The healthcare industry is experiencing massive disruption that requires organizations to rapidly adapt, while maintaining focus on better patient outcomes, improved quality of care and increased profitability.