Improving Patient Outcomes and Cost Reduction Through Social Determinants of Health Addressing in Hospital Supply and Equipment Management

Written By Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Summary

  • Addressing social determinants of health can lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced Healthcare Costs.
  • By focusing on social determinants of health, hospitals can better allocate their resources, including supplies and equipment.
  • Improved efficiency in hospital supply and equipment management can ultimately lead to a more sustainable healthcare system in the United States.

Social Determinants of Health and Their Impact

Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. These social determinants include factors such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, social support networks, and access to healthcare.

Impact on Patient Outcomes

Studies have shown that social determinants of health play a significant role in determining an individual's health outcomes. Patients who face challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, lack of stable housing, and limited access to healthcare are more likely to experience poor health outcomes and higher healthcare utilization rates. Addressing these social determinants can lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced Healthcare Costs.

Allocation of Resources

When hospitals address social determinants of health, they are better able to allocate their resources, including supplies and equipment, in a more efficient manner. By understanding the specific needs of the patient population they serve, hospitals can ensure that they have the necessary supplies and equipment to meet those needs. For example, hospitals serving a low-income community may need to invest in different supplies and equipment compared to hospitals serving a more affluent population.

Efficiency in Hospital Supply and Equipment Management

Efficient supply and equipment management is crucial for hospitals to provide quality care to their patients while controlling costs. By addressing social determinants of health, hospitals can improve their supply and equipment management in the following ways:

Forecasting and Procurement

  1. Understanding the unique needs of the patient population can help hospitals accurately forecast demand for supplies and equipment.
  2. By predicting demand more accurately, hospitals can reduce waste and avoid stockouts, leading to cost savings and improved patient care.
  3. Procurement practices can also be tailored to the specific needs of the community, ensuring that hospitals have the right supplies and equipment on hand when needed.

Inventory Management

  1. Efficient inventory management is essential for controlling costs and ensuring that hospitals have the supplies and equipment they need to provide care.
  2. By understanding the social determinants of health affecting their patient population, hospitals can streamline their inventory management processes.
  3. This can include implementing just-in-time inventory systems, automating Supply Chain processes, and optimizing storage and distribution practices.

Asset Utilization

  1. Social determinants of health can also impact the utilization of hospital equipment.
  2. By identifying barriers to access and utilization, hospitals can better allocate their equipment to meet patient needs.
  3. This can lead to improved efficiency and reduced costs, as hospitals are able to make better use of their existing assets.

A Sustainable Healthcare System

Addressing social determinants of health in the context of hospital supply and equipment management can ultimately lead to a more sustainable healthcare system in the United States. By improving patient outcomes, controlling costs, and optimizing resource allocation, hospitals can create a more efficient and effective healthcare system that meets the needs of all patients.

By prioritizing social determinants of health, hospitals can improve the health and well-being of their communities while also ensuring that they are able to provide high-quality care in a cost-effective manner. This focus on efficiency and sustainability is essential for the long-term success of the healthcare system in the United States.

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Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Lauren Davis is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Miami. With 5 years of hands-on experience in both hospital and mobile phlebotomy settings, Lauren has developed a passion for ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during blood draws. She has extensive experience in pediatric, geriatric, and inpatient phlebotomy, and is committed to advancing the practices of blood collection to improve both accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Lauren enjoys writing about the latest phlebotomy techniques, patient communication, and the importance of adhering to best practices in laboratory safety. She is also an advocate for continuing education in the field and frequently conducts workshops to help other phlebotomists stay updated with industry standards.

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