Molnlycke's value-based procurement essay series: Putting patients first (Helen Hughes, June 2022)

Summary

The UK is considered one of the safest health systems in the world, with dedicated teams of healthcare professionals delivering high standards of care. But with healthcare rates of avoidable harm stubbornly not reducing at the rate we all want, for the benefit of patients we need to strive to achieve more. This extends to how we source, supply and monitor the use of healthcare equipment and products. Procurement and supply chains can be complex and may involve many organisations, with patient safety concerns manifesting themselves in a range of diverse ways. Using value-based procurement (VBP) is one way we can achieve safer care.