Healthcare Cost Solutions, LLC

An important aspect of Preference List Analysis is determining whether each item is in the right location(s) to be picked before each case, and for items likely to be added during a case, in close proximity to the OR suite(s).  This report analyzes each preference list item to determine if it meets one or more of the following conditions:

• Items not on a preference lists that were added
• Items on a preference list for which the quantity used was greater than the preference list quantity
• Items that are on the preference list as PRN items (i.e. available for use if needed)
• Items that are on preference lists, but not actually used

Prerequisites for this report include having documented "bin locations" for each item within the OR and wherever items on preference lists are picked.

Items that are likely to be added, or quantities used increased, during a surgical case should be in the OR, readily accessible when they are added and/or more used than expected.  This report assists in making those decisions.

In the sample above, we see items that are added and/or quantity increased infrequently which are located in multiple locations.  This report section highlights such items for consideration of whether their inventory locations might be consolidated to make room for other, more frequently used items.  Another sample page is shown below.

The sample above shows a number of items that have been added or quantities increased where the only inventory location is Sterile Processing.  In the case of the second item, for 100 cases, each time the item had to be brought up sveral floors from where Sterile Processing is located.  Such items should either be added to a storage location near the OR suite(s) it is used in, or added to the preference list(s) for the case(s) that the item was added to.

Again, each of the sutures above have been added to many cases, and frequently in significant quantities.  This suggests that these items should be located in the OR and not just in Sterile Processing where cases are picked (in this example).  Making this change will significantly reduce the number of times OR staff have to leave the OR suite to go find supplies, improving case flow and OR productivity.

For the PRN items (which need to be available "just in case") shown below, we want them to be readily accessible, especially if the items are frequently used.  The report section shows the number of cases each item was used in, and the total quantity made available for use.

Finally, items that are on preference lists, but seldom if ever used, should be looked at to determine if they have been replaced by something else, suggesting update of the preference list, no longer used, or simply very slow moving.  Where items are very slow moving, it likely makes sense to consolidate their storage into fewer locations, freeing up space for more frequently used and more critical items.

HCS would be happy to discuss your current situation and how these reports can streamline your case picking, product availability and inventory management in the Operating Room.

See also Preference List Usage Analysis and Preference List Waste Analysis