Controlling infection risk, logistics costs, and the technical performance of medical devices are top priorities in operating rooms. Historically, reusable devices dominated the market, but today many hospitals are shifting toward single-use solutions.
More than a trend, this transition reflects a commitment to improving patient safety, simplifying supply workflows, and reducing indirect costs. But what are the real benefits, regulatory impacts, and operational challenges? Let’s take a closer look.
The Key Challenges of Single-Use Device Logistics
While single-use devices are simple individually, they become much more complex to manage when integrated into a multi-supplier, multi-specialty, and multi-site supply chain.
Common issues include:
- – Stockouts of critical devices (perforators, electrodes, catheters)
- – Overstocking of products with short shelf lives
- – Lack of consolidated real-time consumption data
- – Excessive dependence on a single supplier, leading to supply vulnerability
- According to H+, 32% of Swiss hospitals experienced a shortage directly impacting a surgical procedure in the last 12 months.
Three Pillars of a Modern, High-Performance Supply Chain
1. Automated Demand Forecasting Systems
- – Use of historical consumption data by specialty
- – Integration of surgical schedules into forecasting tools
- – Automated alerts on critical thresholds with 15–30-day projections
- In a benchmark across 8 Swiss hospitals, predictive forecasting reduced stockouts by 25–40%. Source: MedInside 2022
2. Digitalized Storage & Traceability
- – Connected storage systems (e-Kanban) with real-time updates
- – Scannable UDI on each batch for enhanced traceability
- – Integration of consumption data with the Electronic Patient Record (EPR)
3. Collaborative Procurement Management
- – Shared portals with suppliers for visibility into stock levels
- – Automated orders integrated with hospital ERP systems
- – Regional pooling across hospital networks and logistics hubs
- Fribourg Cantonal Hospital saved 12% on surgical consumables thanks to a collaborative inventory platform. Source: HFR, 2021
Case Studies: Optimized Logistics in Practice
CHUV Lausanne – Smart Consumption Forecasting
- – 35% reduction in critical stockouts
- – 20% decrease in dormant inventory
- – Higher staff satisfaction in the OR
- Source: CHUV & UNIL Logistics Report 2022
Neuchâtel Hospital Network – Single-Use Workflow Redesign
- – 25% reduction in storage footprint
- – 40 hours saved per month on restocking
- – Better coordination between logistics and clinical teams
- Source: RHNe – H+ Logistics Conference 2022
Conclusion: Faster Logistics, Better Hospital Performance
Single-use devices demand logistics that are precise, responsive, and collaborative. Hospitals that invest in digitalization, predictive tools, and supplier transparency gain:
– Operational efficiency
– Patient safety
– Cost control
More than a supply model, single-use logistics is now a strategic performance driver for healthcare institutions.