Whether you are a small or large facility, organizations of all sizes can benefit from standardization. However, you can’t manage what you can’t measure—which is why standardization decisions should always be driven by data. If your facility is considering any standardization initiatives, here are five important things to consider in order to be successful:
- Take an evidence-based approach to decision making. This will help hospitals and health systems make rational decisions about what products to purchase and where to purchase them. Standardization can mean something different based on each organization’s needs. It could mean standardizing processes, such as in the operating room to maximize safety and efficiency. It could also mean standardizing products, in order to streamline supply chains and stock rooms.
- Properly communicate to hospital staff the reasons your organization is pursuing standardization. Sometimes, the benefits of standardization take several months to come to fruition. In the meantime, it could lead to some frustration from clinical staff if they are not fully aware of the reasoning behind it. Clearly communicate the purpose of the change and explain the financial and operational benefits to your staff. If they are aware of the ultimate goal, your staff will be more motivated to work towards the result.
- Find and analyze all of the right data sources. Since data can come from many different areas, develop a dedicated team responsible for acquiring and analyzing the data. This will be essential for having consistent and reliable information to make important standardization decisions.
- Bring clinicians to the decision-making table. It is vital to consider how a standardization initiative may affect clinical performance. For example, if your health system is considering standardizing to one type of product in order to streamline operations, you need to make sure that product still serves the clinical need before changing all of your inventory. For larger health systems, it’s important to consider how standards of the practice may vary across facilities. In some cases, outlining the potential clinical outcomes maybe be more difficult than looking at the financial benefits of an initiative, so it’s important to bring clinicians to the table to aid in the discussion.
- Develop strong change management practices as standardization becomes a permanent part of your facility. Finally, a key element to standardization success is developing strong change management practices. Guiding your staff through the changes and communicating clearly about the reasons behind the change not only eases peace of mind among staff but helps these new changes stick.
For more best practices on standardization, visit cardinalhealth.com/supplychain.
