By: Anne Marie Orlando, RN, RCIS, CVAHP

Impact Story: Disposable Patient Transfer Devices

Blue.Point’s Target Savings Report highlighted a utilization opportunity for a 1400-bed health system. Usage data revealed a high number of disposable patient transfer devices compared to benchmark data. A closer examination of the usage identified one department as the primary driver of the variance. Initial conversations with clinical leaders identified staff and patient safety as the primary reasons for high utilization rates.

Given that usage was significantly higher than benchmark data—and recognizing that hospitals have an inherent responsibility to ensure the safety of both patients and staff—the variance warranted further investigation before attributing it solely to safety concerns. This included a site visit to the department(s) in question. Observations were made of patients having more than one device and these devices were placed on ambulatory patients’ beds. Discussions with frontline staff revealed that every bed set up included these devices as a standard protocol.  

Blue.Point’s clinical research guided conversations on developing evidence-based criteria for product use that uphold staff and patient safety while reducing overall utilization. Education for clinical staff was a key component of this project and was reinforced through ongoing communication and support. Twelve month tracking data showed an achieved savings of $938,210 which is a 48% spend reduction.

Want to learn more about Blue.Point?  Contact us today for a free product demo or for more information contact Jennifer Doty by email jdoty@bluepointscs.com or call 978-747-1529.