Optimizing Equipment Uptime & Reducing Costs At Tidalhealth
Challenge
TidalHealth, a two-hospital, 50-clinic system managing 10,400 medical devices
across Southern Delaware and Eastern Maryland, struggled with:
- Inefficient asset tracking: Frequent equipment misplacement led to delays in patient care,
unnecessary capital expenditures, and an increased reliance on expensive OEM service contracts. - Excessive equipment purchasing: Lack of visibility into asset utilization resulted in costly,
unnecessary purchases - Rising maintenance costs: Dependence on multiple OEM service contracts increased
expenses and slowed down equipment servicing. - Long OEM response times: Critical diagnostic and treatment equipment were often
out of service for extended periods, delaying care and frustrating both staff and patients.
Solution
InterMed implemented a comprehensive Healthcare Technology Management(HTM) program, tailored to Tidal Health’s needs, integrating advanced asset tracking, on-site staffing, and strategic service contract management. The key elements of the program included:
- Implemented Real-Time Location Tracking System (RTLS): introduced an inventory system thatlocated misplaced medical devices and tracked drug expiration dates, resulting in less productloss and ensuring devices were readily available for clinicians.
- On-Site Skilled Technicians: Eliminated long service wait times by reducing dependence on OEMcontracts, allowing for immediate repairs and maintenance at a reduced cost.
- Proactive Cost Tracking & Service Contract Consolidation: Allowed for better financial planning,reducing unnecessary spending on redundant contracts and inefficient service agreements.