Back in 2015, industry watchdog Wait Time Alliance declared that “current demand for home care and long-term care is not being met and this gap will increase.” In response to this demand, healthcare supply chain management models needed to shift. Five years on, we’re in the midst of a global pandemic – and this statement has never been so relevant.
On top of this demand, Canada’s population is getting older, and in turn, more people are living with chronic conditions. While hospitals and other medical facilities have the most options and expertise to treat these conditions, many are now preferring to stay at home for treatment. This is likely due to innovative in-home testing devices gaining popularity and home administered treatments that have reduced the need for many traditional doctor visits. In turn, the healthcare supply chain has been stretched beyond hospitals and clinics. During 2020, many people became less comfortable to visit hospitals, adhering to global mandates to “stay home” during the outbreak of COVID-19. With the current climate in mind, home healthcare solutions have become a top priority for patients and healthcare workers alike.
So how do you balance the increasing demand with the changes to our healthcare landscape?
One effective tool is a properly managed healthcare supply chain that is optimized for fluctuations.
