Cost-Benefit Analysis: Why Hospitals Are Investing In High-Quality PPE

You know, healthcare purchasing managers don’t always get the credit they deserve. 

The PPE purchasing decisions you make are often the first line of defense when it comes to protecting healthcare staff, patients, and your community from the spread of dangerous pathogens.

That’s why hospitals are shifting away from cheaper options and investing in high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE).

Although premium PPE may be more expensive upfront, it also reduces costs in the long run. Better PPE means fewer infections, fewer sickouts for staff, and shorter hospital stays for patients.

Let’s examine the cost-benefit analysis of high-quality PPE, and you’ll see that safety and savings can go hand in hand in your hospital, too.

The High Price of Low-Cost PPE Options

When hospitals use inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), they’re setting themselves up to carry a laundry list of hidden costs.

First, when low-cost, low-quality PPE fails, workers get sick or injured. This can lead to workers’ compensation claims, sickouts, and lost wages. When healthcare workers can’t work, it creates shortages.

Hospitals already struggle to find enough staff to care for patients. To fill the gaps, hospitals often hire travel nurses. These nurses cost a lot more than regular staff, and the extra payroll costs add up quickly.

Furthermore, frequent illness due to cheap PPE can hurt team morale. When staff see their coworkers getting sick and feel unprotected by their workplace, they may feel scared or stressed. This can lead to higher turnover rates, and nurses and doctors may leave for safer jobs.

In the end, the choice of inadequate PPE risks health and hits hospitals hard in the wallet. Spending money on proper PPE now can save a lot in the future. 

The Hospital’s Return on Investment 

Premium PPE is superior to bargain-priced PPE in several ways that add up over time. You’ll see a positive ROI when you consider factors like durability, worker productivity, and compliance with OSHA regulations and other legal requirements in hospitals. 

Premium PPE Lasts Longer & Performs Better

High-quality PPE simply lasts longer than cheaper options. This means hospitals won’t need to buy as many boxes of disposable medical apparel and other PPE as often, saving money in the long run.

Durability is a key benefit. High-quality PPE can withstand tough conditions. It better protects healthcare workers over time, during long shifts or lengthy surgical procedures. When the gear is strong, it doesn’t tear or break easily, keeping workers safe while they care for patients.

The failure rate of premium PPE is markedly lower than its bargain-priced equivalent. This means fewer interruptions during procedures and less risk of exposure to pathogens. When PPE works well, healthcare providers can focus on their patients, not on whether or not their shoe covers are actually going to keep all that blood out of their new HOKAs.

Premium PPE is Easier to Wear and to Stock

Choosing high-quality, breathable, one-size-fits-all personal protective equipment (PPE) is important for healthcare worker productivity. It helps them stay comfortable while doing their jobs. When workers feel good, they can focus better. This leads to improved productivity and better patient care.

Breathable designs keep healthcare workers cool and dry without sacrificing fluid impermeability. This is especially important during long shifts. When workers don’t overheat, they can perform tasks more efficiently. A comfortable worker is a productive worker.

Additionally, using one-size-fits-all PPE saves time for stockroom workers. They won’t need to sort through different sizes and styles. This makes it easier for them to restock supplies. It reduces the effort needed to organize and manage inventory levels.

Keep reading: 3 Strategies for Better PPE Inventory Management

Premium PPE is OSHA-Compliant & Protects Against Legal Action

When hospitals use high-quality PPE, they reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. This protection can help avoid fines from OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. By following safety regulations, hospitals can prevent legal issues.

When hospitals choose cheap PPE, they take big risks. Cheap PPE often doesn’t fit well or provide enough protection. If it fails during an emergency, healthcare workers may get hurt or sick. This can lead to lawsuits against the hospital, which can be very expensive. Hospitals may also face hefty fines from OSHA if the PPE chosen isn’t in compliance with their regulations for healthcare PPE. These consequences can hurt the hospital’s reputation and finances.

Calculating the Cost of Premium PPE Investments

With the benefits of premium PPE quite clear, it’s time to start working on the cost-benefit analysis. You’ll want to look at a few factors here, including initial cost versus long-term value, a benefits analysis, and the boost to operational efficiency you can achieve with the shift to premium PPE products. 

Initial Costs vs. Long-Term Value

When it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE), many people think about the initial costs first. High-quality PPE often costs more upfront. However, this investment pays off over time with cost savings in other areas. Cheaper equipment might save money at first. But it can break down quickly or provide less protection.

High-end PPE lasts longer and does its job better. It can protect workers from serious injuries or illnesses. This not only keeps workers safe but also lowers medical costs in the future. If a worker gets hurt, the business could face bigger costs for treatment and downtime.

Think about it this way: spending a little more now can avoid big expenses later. In the long run, quality PPE is a smart choice. It’s better to invest in safety than to risk injuries. So, when choosing PPE, consider the long-term value. You’ll save money and keep people safe in the end.

How to Do Your Cost-Benefit Analysis

When upgrading your personal protective equipment (PPE), you should perform a cost-benefit analysis. This helps you decide if the benefits of new gear outweigh the costs.

First, list the costs. Include the price of the new PPE, any training needed, and the time lost during the switch. Next, list the benefits. Think about improved safety, better comfort, and lower injury rates. These benefits can also mean less downtime and fewer insurance claims.

Once you have both lists, turn to numbers. Assign a value to each benefit. For example, how much money could you save if injuries go down? Now, compare the total cost to the total benefits. If the benefits are greater than the costs, the upgrade is a smart choice.

Lastly, consider other factors. Think about how the new equipment might improve worker morale or productivity. These factors can help you make a well-rounded decision. A cost-benefit analysis is a great way to ensure you’re making a wise investment in safety.

Don’t Discount Operational Efficiency

Premium PPE, like one-size-fits-all disposable medical apparel and patient slide sheets, can help improve operational efficiency by simplifying your inventory management. Better inventory management cuts the time it takes for nurses and doctors to get what they need, improving and streamlining patient care.

When you stock one-size-fits-all apparel, you reduce the number of sizes and styles needed. This means less variety on your shelves. Stocking one-size-fits-all apparel also makes it easier to track supplies. You can quickly see what you have and what you need to order. 

Likewise, patient slide sheets in one standard size help streamline operations. Staff can grab what they need, oftentimes from a dispenser on the wall of the patient or procedure room, without searching for a rigid board and stopping to sanitize it. This saves time during busy shifts.

Keep reading: Comparing PPE Solutions – What Purchasing Managers Need To Know

Buying Premium PPE From a North American Manufacturer Pays Off

As you make the shift to premium PPE, consider Sloan Medical for your shortlist. Our product lines have been perfected over our 30+ years in business and are guaranteed to perform in all types of environments.

With all our products handcrafted in North America and tested against the ASTM-F1671 standard, we cut no corners when it comes to protecting medical professionals. Plus, Sloan Medical takes pride in our ability to ship most PPE supplies within 24 hours of your direct order! You can order exactly what you need when you need it and protect your cash flow.Our Midwest-based, family-owned company was founded by a urologist who treasures the healthcare community and values personalized service. Ask your team to take our products for a test drive, free.

Try the PPE everyone’s talking about.

Finally, PPE to keep surgeons and nurses dry and safe during surgery.

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