Northwell Health, based in New Hyde Park, New York, has taken significant strides in enhancing its supply chain management by introducing artificial intelligence to address a longstanding challenge: the incomplete tracking of high-cost surgical supplies. The health system has launched AssistIQ, an AI-powered computer vision platform, in key facilities including the North Shore University Hospital and the Dorothy & Alvin Schwartz Ambulatory Surgery Center located in Manhasset, New York. This innovative platform aims to provide comprehensive monitoring of the usage and movement of premium clinical products across various procedural areas.
Phyllis McCready, Senior Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer at Northwell, articulated the ambitious goal of globally monitoring these crucial supplies to improve operational efficiency. Will Corrigan, Vice President of Hospital Operations, admitted that the organisation has faced the issue of inadequate manual tracking for over two decades. “Our manual documentation process wasn’t capturing everything necessary for optimal operations,” he explained, underscoring the inadequacies in existing methods which, although sufficient to protect patient care, failed to deliver crucial insights for comprehensive supply chain management.
The AssistIQ technology captures supply usage in real-time during surgeries, addressing limitations inherent in traditional tracking methods—be it barcodes, RFID, electronic health records, or paper documentation. Vikas Balani, Deputy Chief Procurement Officer, elaborated on the importance of accurate tracking, especially for high-value items with expiration dates. “Without capture of where the product is in its physical journey throughout the health system, it is very difficult to maintain good control of the supply chain and associated costs,” he stated.
Currently, the rollout of AssistIQ is concentrated on the Manhasset campus, with aspirations for broader implementation post-integration with Northwell’s new Epic EHR system. Corrigan mentioned that this preliminary phase will allow the system to measure return on investment and refine the technology before wider application. “It makes sense to proceed with a non-integrated solution because of the scale and size of our operation,” he noted. However, the integration with the Epic system is seen as crucial for future expansions, allowing for seamless scaling of this innovative technology.
Beyond the implementation of AssistIQ, Northwell is actively enhancing its entire supply chain ecosystem. The health system has partnered with Exiger, an AI-focused company, to bolster its vendor risk management capabilities. This collaboration aims to refine vendor review processes and effectively balance supply chain risks with business necessities, thereby advancing the entire procurement framework.
Moreover, Northwell is not only focusing on supply chain enhancement through technology; it is also engaged in addressing critical social issues such as human trafficking within its global medical supply chain. Presenting their findings at a conference for the American Hospital Association’s Hospitals Against Violence Initiative, the health system highlighted its commitment to identifying signs of forced labour and ensuring responsible sourcing in healthcare supplies.
These initiatives are part of a broader effort to adapt to the evolving landscape in healthcare, particularly in light of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Northwell previously joined initiatives like IBM’s Rapid Supplier Connect, a blockchain network that connects hospitals with new suppliers of personal protective equipment. This network was crucial in ensuring a steady stream of essential supplies during critical times, illustrating the health system’s proactive approach in grappling with supply chain vulnerabilities.
As Northwell Health moves forward, its multifaceted strategy aims not only to eradicate inefficiencies in surgical supply tracking but also to create a more resilient and responsive supply chain. The overarching aspiration, as articulated by Balani, is to create a system where clinicians operate without the hindrance of logistical challenges, enabling them to focus on delivering quality care to patients.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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