The success of medical and healthcare companies in providing the highest levels of care to their patients relies on medical logistics. The logistics network is vital in maintaining efficiency as well as meeting top industry standards. Obviously, a well-run medical program and an established logistics plan are the only way to create an environment in which patients can be put first and their safety can be a number one priority.
At Medi-Ops we use technology and a patient-first outlook on the logistics industry to provide innovative and revolutionary approaches to the medical supply chain. Specializing in medical transportation, Medi-Ops is able to bring incredible services and specialized software to best serve patients and the medical logistics industry as a whole.
What is Patient Safety?
The World Health Organization tells us that, “The occurrence of adverse events due to unsafe care is likely one of the 10 leading causes of death and disability in the world.” If healthcare companies put more time, effort, and funds into logistics plans, think of the number of patient deaths and disabilities that can be prevented. Thinking through adverse events and their effects on patients and the medical industry can save so many lives. This in itself should be a leading reason why healthcare companies are investing in logistics. WHO also informs us that 50% of adverse events are preventable. If that many people can be saved through well-thought-out transportation and supply chain programs, that’s a leap worth taking.
Patients are in the hands of medical providers. These medical professionals work in high-stress situations 24/7, and errors occur. To expect no one to make any mistakes in these fields is unrealistic. However, with the knowledge that mistakes will occur, many of these situations are preventable and the system can be treated.
What is Medical Logistics?
The term ‘medical logistics’ can be a broad one, and encompasses many different aspects of the medical industry and patient care. In simple terms, medical logistics is the management of the supply chain pertaining to medical and healthcare needs. This includes pharmaceuticals, supplies, transportation, equipment… The list goes on. Essentially, medical logistics are what keep a quality and consistent supply chain within the medical industry. Only when established logistics programs are put in place can efficiency, cost, and quality of products and services be present in this industry.
In an ever-changing world full of unexpected events and occurrences, having poor logistics plans can be detrimental to the medical supply chain. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic can’t be predicted, but having a logistics plan in place can help to minimize the effects of events like these. Utilizing logistics companies and professionals in this industry contributes to positive patient safety and ultimately saves lives.
At Medi-Ops specifically, we specialize in medical transportation and logistics. Minimizing hassle, stress, and inefficiency in patient and courier transportation alike is what we do. The transportation side of healthcare and logistics can make tremendous differences in how patients are treated and can minimize the adverse effects that can be so detrimental. Medi-Ops ensures consistent and quality service, approaching any situation with a patient-first mentality. We love taking leaps into technological innovations and new solutions to medical transportation. In looking at all of those adverse effects that do so much harm in patient safety around the world, Medi-Ops create solutions to those problems, and in turn, create the best environments possible for patients and providers alike.
4 Tips To Establishing Your Medical Logistics Plan
- Ask Yourself The Right Questions: Asking the right questions in the medical world is essential to find the root of the problem. This is no different in understanding logistic needs and your medical logistics plan. Get to the root of the problem – what are you looking for, and what do you really need when it comes to the medical logistics world?
- Identify Your Needs: Once you understand what you want from a logistics provider and establish a plan, identify what areas you need help in and the services you should be looking for. Where do you need support and established processes in order to create the best medical services and environment possible?
- Align with Stakeholders: Now it’s time to find those industry professionals that are patient-forward, focusing on a balance of care and innovation, and are aligned with your values and goals as a healthcare professional. Companies that work with you and for you are important to seek out and find those that will get the job done while also holding true to your same values and goals.
- Execute Your Plan: Put into practice what you need with the providers and people you want. The important part here is to constantly reevaluate your needs and goals to ensure that you are putting in place the highest quality logistics plans possible.
All in all, the medical world throws things at us that you can’t prepare for; that’s just the reality. Knowing this and taking all the steps possible to avoid everything from tiny mistakes to giant disasters is essential in ensuring the highest levels of patient safety and care possible. Clearly, there is still so much that we can do with patient care to increase safety and minimize risks and harm. If we can take those steps, shouldn’t we?