Consequences of Outdated Surgical Preference Cards

• Open , unused supplies are wasted : In a 2022 survey , surgeons estimated that 26 % of single-use , sterile supplies opened for surgery were unused at the end of the case 2

• Sealed , unused supplies must be returned to stock shelves : Returning items to stock is time-consuming for already stretched thin staff . They have to keep up with returns by reentering each item into the system ; checking for expiration date , damage and quality ; and returning the item to its original shelf location .

• Waste disposal costs are increased : The open , unused supplies increase the amount of hospital waste disposal . And if general waste items

A 2022 survey showed that

of single-use supplies opened for surgery were unused 2

aren ’ t separated from hazardous waste items , they ’ re included in costly hazardous waste disposal .

• Surgical procedures may be disrupted : If a needed instrument or other supply isn ’ t in the OR , the surgeon may have to pause the procedure while a nurse retrieves the product . The patient is under general anesthesia longer , the surgeon ’ s concentration is inter-

Inaccurate surgical preference cards are associated with higher direct costs , waste and delays . 1

rupted and the wait could be part of a domino effect that leads to delays or cancellations of scheduled surgeries for the rest of the day .

• Supply inventory data is inaccurate : When supplies are taken to the OR for a procedure , the supply system considers those items gone . Inaccurate cards can lead to inaccurate inventory levels and locations , resulting in the wrong supplies being stocked in the wrong place .

How do you overcome these challenges ? With your medical supplier ’ s technology that transforms your surgical workflow .

5 Benefits of Preference Card Management Software Storing surgical preference cards electronically isn ’ t enough . Digitizing preference cards isn ’ t enough . Try preference card management software that uses a proprietary algorithm to continually track , update and make actionable recommendations based on actual supply consumption in surgical procedures .

Here ’ s how your surgeons , patients , OR and hospital benefit .

1 . Ensure surgeon preference card accuracy Preference card management software automates the process

of updating and maintaining surgical preference cards . The software continuously tracks and updates preference cards based on actual supply consumption during surgical procedures , ensuring that the information is always current and accurate . In addition , analysis is provided for each card on suggested items to be open , held , removed or added to the card .

“ This product is a good tool to help OR directors start making decisions on how they want surgical supply flow to work ,” says Carranza . “ And it helps OR management collaborate with supply chain / materials management and sterile processing

This product is a good tool to help OR directors start making decisions on how they want surgical supply flow to work .

— Angela Carranza , CST , senior manager , clinical solutions , Medline

Managing a complex perioperative environment is a multi-dimensional challenge .

Medline drives results in three critical areas

Increase Efficiency

Uncover smart new ways to streamline processes through a detailed Lean Assessment . Our experts work with you to reduce room turnover times and supply picking , enhancing performance and staff satisfaction .

Contain Costs

The operating room often accounts for

Need a better cost reduction strategy ? We help identify OR inefficiencies and spotlight opportunities to control costs and eliminate waste .

Prevent Infection

Wherever the source of transmission — environment , caregiver or patient , we ' re there with evidence-based products and solutions to help fight and prevent SSIs .

Visit www . medline . com / perioperative / for our approach .

* Data on file