Since its inception a year-and-a-half ago, the Value Analysis Program, headed by Nancy Masaschi, director, has been hard at work putting policies and procedures in place for new technology requests, as well as product-problem reporting.
1. New Technology
Under the new approach, new technology requests must be submitted through the Value Analysis review process before going to the higher-level Value Analysis Committee. Requests may be submitted by an individual or through a representative for a specific department or committee.
The committee, whose members include physicians and nurses, as well as representatives from Risk Management, Materials Management, Infection Control, Biomedical Engineering and Pharmacy, looks at patient care improvement opportunities and costs, as well as training, hospital infrastructure support, credentialling requirements and more, according to Masaschi.
“The goal of the Value Analysis Program is to enhance and facilitate opportunities for the hospital and become more efficient in allowing people to fulfill their patient-care needs,” said Masaschi. “The importance of evaluating and assessing the clinical impact and financial feasibility of requests or opportunities is that it provides the basis on which well-informed decisions can be made. The process can save a lot of time, energy and money.”
2. Product Problems
Also falling under the umbrella of the Value Analysis Program are product problems. Masaschi works closely with Janet Barnes, RN, director, Risk Management, and Joan Blake-Gunter, Partners recall officer, to ensure product problems are reported accurately and the appropriate steps taken to address issues.
Nurses who find a problem with a product should take the following steps:
- Inform nurse manager
- File an incident report
- If deemed appropriate, nurse manager will call Risk Management at (617-732-6442)
- Hold onto the product
Depending on severity of product problems, Risk Management may inform Blake-Gunter, who will conduct a background investigation into whether other complaints have been filed or recalls made.
“There are many products that can be used in many different areas of the hospital, and indeed the whole system,” said Barnes. “Following these steps will allow us to be more rapid in our actions, as well as more sweeping in our response.”
3. Success Story
The results are in for the CWN Products Committee, and the total tally for savings is more than $80,000, according to Nancy Masaschi, director, Value Analysis Program, and Paula Gillette, RN, director of nursing for the Center for Women and Newborn Clinical Services. Masaschi approached Gillette about reconstituting a team to look carefully at patient care improvements and supply costs, an effort aimed at improving the patient experience and eliminating unnecessary costs. In the year and a half since bringing the committee back to life, the team has carefully reviewed products usage, cost, patient safety and satisfaction and come up with a lower bottom line.
“With 10,000 deliveries each year, it is important to consider the change process and how it will translate in terms of time spent in staff education,” explained Gillette. “When a great deal of teaching is involved in making a change, the additional cost must be accounted for. Therefore, being able to make a positive change with the least amount of required teaching is also beneficial.”Along with the savings, however, have been some increases resulting from a focus on safety and regulatory compliance.
“The team looked at how they deliver care and sought out efficiencies whenever possible,” said Masaschi. “As a safety issue, patient/family wrist bands were modified, in line with a revised infant identification procedure. Moms, dads and babies get the wrist band as an extra security precaution.” The group also sought to reduce duplication in orders and supplies and were able to cut $23,300 by eliminating stock that is supplied to families in patient/maternity backpacks.
“This is a team that works with an obvious enthusiasm about their ability to make an impact and facilitate positive change. It is very rewarding to provide staff with changes in products that will enhance their work,” said Gillette.