Walmart will launch next-day delivery services for its shoppers in three West Coast markets within the next few days, according to CNBC.

Based on the proven best practices followed by many healthcare providers across the country, follow these three steps as you establish your own procedure pack standardization strategy1:

Four drugs or medical devices have been approved by the FDA since May 3:

The World Health Organization is revamping its Ebola vaccination strategy in Congo as the outbreak continues to outrun vaccination efforts and supply of Merck's Ebola vaccine dwindle, according to a WHO news release.

About 20 percent of clinicians report feeling stressed out by supply chain-related tasks, according to the fourth annual Cardinal Health Hospital Supply Chain Survey.

Whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a true emergency, there’s a real cost — in time, money, and morale — every time supply chain tasks derail hospital staff. And taken in total, the expense really adds up. When supplies aren’t at hand or routine, cumbersome supply chain tasks sap energy, staff, patients, and bottom line all suffer.

The FDA will end a program that allowed devicemakers to conceal reports of device-related harm and malfunctions from the public and physicians, according to Kaiser Health News.

The FDA must close loopholes and uphold higher safety standards when screening, approving and monitoring medical devices, The New York Times editorial board wrote in an opinion piece on May 4.

In a recent Becker’s Hospital Review article, a stark truth was stated: A hospital system procures everything and makes nothing.

As costs continue to go up while reimbursements go down, hospitals and health systems are looking for new ways to control expenses without affecting the quality of care. One strategy that continues to gain momentum is standardization.

Philadelphia-based Nazareth Hospital has launched an internal investigation after $25,000 worth of endoscopes were stolen in April, according to CBS Philadelphia.

Five drugs or medical devices have been approved by the FDA since April 26:

The FDA will not ban the sale and use of textured breast implants linked to a rare cancer, despite recent concerns over the safety of the product.

Ensuring optimal skin health outcomes while also lowering cost per case poses several challenges for healthcare organizations, especially given the increasing need of skin and wound care, increasing complexity of wound care management, and the industry's changing reimbursement structure.

Merck has increased production of the measles vaccine to meet growing demand amid the country's largest outbreak in 25 years, according to Reuters.

As declining reimbursements and increasing product expenses cut into hospital margins, providers are constantly seeking new ways to control costs without compromising patient care.

Eleven hospitals and health systems were honored for supply chain excellence by the Global Healthcare Exchange at its 19th annual GHXcellence Award ceremony in San Antonio April 30.

Detroit-based Henry Ford Health System, Ann Arbor-based Michigan Medicine and Livonia, Mich.-based St. Joseph Mercy Health System have formed a joint venture to establish a $48 million medical laundry service facility in Detroit.

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

As the drive for value-based care continues, hospitals and health systems are looking for proven best practices to improve clinical outcomes, enhance safety and control costs.