Becker's Clinical Quality & Infection Control

18 Executive Briefing 1 EXECUTIVE BRIEFING The assumption that surgical gloves are largely equivalent has shaped purchasing strategies across many health systems. Yet growing attention to clinical performance, infection prevention and long-term cost implications is prompting a closer look at how these products are evaluated. Surgeons understand that a glove is not simply a glove. Differences in AQL rating, tactile sensitivity, consistency and overall performance can meaningfully shape both the surgical experience and ultimately, patient care. The Balancing Act Operating rooms are a critical source of revenue for health systems, as surgical service lines often generate higher reimbursements than many other clinical settings. Research suggests ORs can account for up to 70% of a hospital's total profit margin. Every hospital and health system faces conflicting pressures. They must carefully control operating costs to sustain profitability, without compromising the quality of care or clinician integrity. Running efficient and effective ORs, requires organizations to choose the right products and solutions that focus on reducing procedural variability, enhancing patient safety and improving the overall surgeon experience. Even seemingly small sources of friction in the OR can have outsized operational consequences. Product inconsistencies, frequent glove changes due to tears, or discomfort that affects dexterity can introduce micro-disruptions that slow procedures, extend turnover times or increase supply utilization. Over the course of hundreds or thousands of cases annually, those incremental inefficiencies can translate into meaningful cost leakage. As health systems increasingly examine the drivers of OR throughput and case consistency, supply decisions that were once viewed as routine are now being evaluated through a performance lens. In an effort to reduce operating costs, many health systems have implemented surgical supply formularies, which list the select group of products that have been approved for purchase. Health systems typically expect strict contract compliance in only purchasing and using the specific products in the organization's formulary. However, such regimented, compliance-focused strategies can overshadow important clinical preferences that matter greatly to surgeons. According to Andrew Hurdle, Associate Director, Product Portfolio Management with the healthcare safety solutions company Ansell, a strict organizational focus on contract compliance can sometimes limit clinicians' access to the best-performing solutions, reduce performance and impede safety for clinicians and patients. Today, many leading health systems are listening to clinicians in taking a nuanced, quality-focused approach to procurement. As part of their procurement process, many health systems proactively involve physicians, nurses and other providers in OR supply selection decisions, while partnering with leading suppliers to identify the best safety solutions for their organizations' needs. In the case of gloves, Mr. Hurdle explained that surgeons now realize that the mantra "one glove fits all' is no longer accurate. A recent study found that poor glove fit is associated with reduced manual dexterity, impaired tactile sensitivity and decreased comfort, which in turn could affect surgical performance and potentially outcomes. "Our teams of clinical professionals have years of OR and patient care experience," Mr. Hurdle said. "Together with our in-house R&D and product experts, Ansell partners with clinical teams to develop products that meet healthcare organizations' current and future needs." Different Needs, Different Gloves As surgeon shortages intensify, the operating room experience is becoming an increasingly important strategic consideration. Health systems must think holistically about the clinician work environment, including the supplies and solutions that shape comfort, efficiency and long-term well-being. Across the country, health systems are managing surgeon shortages, but also burnout and the cumulative physical demands of procedural specialties. Repetitive strain, hand fatigue and musculoskeletal issues can shorten careers or limit the types of procedures surgeons are able to perform over time. In this environment, even incremental improvements in ergonomics and tactile performance can contribute to clinician longevity and job satisfaction. Leaders are now increasingly recognizing that supply choices are not just operational decisions, but investments in workforce sustainability. Innovation And Performance A good starting point when deciding on the appropriate supplies and in particular surgical gloves is to look for products and solutions designed in accordance with industry best practices from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). The Perfect Fit: How Health Systems Are Improving OR Performance with Application-Specific Gloves.

• Cover