What Works

Creative Solutions to Materials Management Challenges
"What Works" is a new feature of Healthcare Purchasing News. It highlights creative solutions to a variety of healthcare supply chain and clinical challenges. Articles are based on material submitted by materials managers, supply chain and other personnel.

How to Successfully Write a Case History
For Healthcare Purchasing News 

What Works articles are generally 1- page articles (800 words). The focus is on a purchasing/supply chain solution selected by a healthcare organization. They are written from the end users point-of-view addressing The Hospital, The Problem, The Solution, The Vendor.
 

Statement of the Problem

Describe the nature of the problem facing the materials management department/healthcare facility and the reason why it turned to the chosen solution. Be specific and detailed about the problem and discuss the objective(s) behind searching for a remedy. 

Solution

Describe how the department/organization decided on a solution. Describe the RFP and research process, how the organization short-listed, any demos or trial installations, who was involved, how long the process took, obstacles overcome, etc. Readers want to know exactly why a product/vendor was selected. Was it price? Was it ease of utilization? Was it that this was the only product that met all the user’s criteria?  

Installation, Implementation, Training

Describe the installation and rollout – what was required for the organization to implement and go-live. If the implementation was incremental, describe how it occurred and why that method was chosen. Describe the involvement, technical support, and assistance of the vendor. Describe the process of training employees or users, how long it took, how obstacles were overcome. Specifics and details are important.  

Components, Hardware, Costs

If appropriate, describe the system components and hardware involved, and the cost for implementing the solution. 

Benefits or Results

This is the most critical part of the case history. Describe how the problem in question was solved or improved. Please quantify and measure whenever possible. Examples of benefits you can quantify are:

• Number of hours saved each week by staff
• Efficiencies gained in workflow, steps eliminated or shortened, and re-deployment of current staff because of efficiencies
• Amount of money saved or no longer spent
• Improved outcomes for patient with new product

In describing benefits or results, avoid these pitfalls:

• Do not commercialize this section.

• Avoid making undocumented claims – that you cut costs, that you reduced the number of FTEs, that you increased office efficiency. Specific examples of benefits realized really grab our reader’s attention.

Examples

• Please visit the online archives at
  http://www.hpnonline.com/issue archives.html.

Submit case histories to:

Jeannie Akridge
Managing Editor
Healthcare Purchasing News
KSR Publishing Inc.
7650 So. Tamiami Trail, Suite 10
Sarasota, FL 34231
941-927-9345 Ext. 202
jakridge@hpnonline.com