Video | Creative Ways to Reduce Supply Spend in Ambulatory Care amidst Unprecedented Inflation and Disruption

As the economic fallout from the last several years continues inflicting record levels of inflation, employee turnover, supply shortages, and cost increases, now coupled with the ending of several programs supporting healthcare operations, there has never been a more challenging time for healthcare.

In a survey conducted by the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA), 61% of people reported 10–24% increases in costs for medical supplies and equipment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for medical equipment and supplies are 5.86% higher in 2023 versus 2009 (a $1.17 difference in value). Finding new and innovative ways to identify savings within your supply chain while avoiding any potential disruption is paramount to a healthcare organization’s success.

During this webinar, leaders from across the country with significant ambulatory care expertise will share creative approaches and best practices to reduce spend within your supply chain and to proactively develop a more flexible supply chain that strengthens your purchasing position.

Learning objectives

During this webinar, you will:

• Gain a better understanding of current and future challenges facing ambulatory care organizations’ supply chain teams
• Learn new and innovative ways to better manage challenges related to pricing and availability of supplies and equipment
• Receive insight into new tactics to better negotiate in today’s supply chain landscape
• Understand how to prepare for future challenges to the supply chain within your organization
• Better connect the availability and pricing of key supplies and equipment to operational success and safety

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Robert Mayhew is the Director of Supply Chain at Revo Health. Robert believes in the value a strong supply chain can bring to an organization, not just financially but to the overall patient experience, as well as the importance of elevating our profession in healthcare. He has spent over 20 years serving in the Health Care Supply Chain discipline at acute care hospitals, ambulatory surgery center groups, and other non-acute integrated delivery networks. He holds a bachelor's and master's degree in healthcare administration and is a Certified Materials and Resource Professional (CMRP).

Audra has been with Kelsey-Seybold for one year. She most recently came from Houston Methodist, where she oversaw the Value Analysis team. Before that, she held many healthcare roles, including 18 years at Texas Children’s Main Operating room and 5 years at Memorial Hermann in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). Audra has worked in and around the Houston Medical Center since 1996. She received her associates from San Jacinto College, her bachelor’s in nursing from UTMB, and her master’s from Texas Women’s University.

Notable achievements: Audra led the separation of two sets of conjoined twins, which consisted of over 30 different specialties. She received a commendation from the State of Texas for Excellence in Nursing Care. She has been awarded the bronze medalist Good Samaritan Award three times.

Sheila Knoepke has been the Vice President of Supply Chain for ValueHealth in Leawood, KS since April of 2014. She is responsible for the development of new facilities, ensuring all the equipment, supplies and services are available when a new facility is opened.

Driving waste out of the supply chain has been a top priority for Sheila. Using Lean methodology, she focuses on best practice processes to improve the efficiency of contracting, procuring, and stocking of medical supplies throughout the facilities. Sheila has over 40 years’ experience in healthcare supply chain, with most of her experience in large trauma centers.

A native of Montana, Sheila holds a bachelor’s in arts degree in business from Metro State University in St. Paul, MN, and a bachelor’s in science in mechanical engineering from Montana State University. She also holds her Certified Materials & Resource Professional (CMRP).