DUBLIN, Ohio — When respiratory illnesses increase across communities in the winter, healthcare facilities can become inundated with sick patients and feel the widespread impact of peak hospitalizations and late-season surges. The concurrence of influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and strep throat can wreak havoc across an entire facility. With many patients in need of timely attention, resources like medical supplies and PPE are stretched thin – and so are busy clinicians.
“Respiratory season can get very chaotic,” said Bridget Stovall, a clinical advisor at Cardinal Health. “If a facility is caught off guard during a surge, the negative impacts can be significant. Patients may experience substantial delays in treatment, even while providers are working around the clock.”
Last winter, the U.S. recorded the highest rates of hospitalizations and outpatient visits for flu-like illnesses in 14 years, according to the American Hospital Association. Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the season also saw a relatively late surge with flu cases peaking in February, typically considered the end of respiratory season, and possibly catching providers off guard. The CDC outlook for this season suggests similar peak hospitalization rates, emphasizing the importance of ongoing readiness.
“Each hospital department plays a critical role in supporting positive outcomes during respiratory season,” Stovall said. “From patient intake, to diagnostics, to protecting the facility’s most vulnerable patients, it’s important that every function is prepared to handle what a surge can bring. With thoughtful planning and the right medical products and solutions, facilities can stay nimble and maintain strong momentum throughout the entire season.”
Clinical laboratory readiness
The lab within a hospital or healthcare facility works with clinicians to support diagnostics and monitor patient illnesses, making it a vital part of a healthcare system. This department is especially vulnerable to strain during respiratory season. This can lead to limited supply of critical products like diagnostic tests, backlogs in testing and longer wait times for results.
“Delayed diagnostic results can be extremely frustrating for clinicians and patients,” said Stovall. “Lab results drive patient care. In the absence of a timely diagnosis, providers cannot make informed treatment decisions, potentially leading to negative patient outcomes.”
The lab’s daily supply needs can shift quickly during seasonal surges, making it challenging to predict how much to order before the season starts. To mitigate the risk of supply shortages, the Cardinal Health™ Reserved Inventory Program gives labs the option to secure their preferred diagnostic products when they need them, even during an unexpected rush in demand. Participating providers have inventory reserved exclusively for them, located close to their facility for prompt delivery, helping to prevent unexpected stockouts.
The right diagnostic products can go a long way in supporting better patient outcomes and promoting lab efficiency. Cardinal HealthTM rapid test kits help provide quick results that can be read by a clinician, without the need for the sample to go through a separate clinical lab. This speeds up diagnosis and treatment – particularly when conducted at the point of care, meaning at the patient’s bedside or where treatment is provided.
“Point of care testing for respiratory infectious diseases has several benefits,” said W. Frank Peacock, MD, FACEP, FACC, FESC, professor of emergency medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and regarded industry expert. “It can improve patient care through more ER discharges, less pathogen exposure, reduced sick staff and fewer patient hospitalizations.”
Managing PPE demands
Healthcare provider demands for PPE can surge during peak respiratory illness season, potentially leading to supply shortages or delays in care. To help maintain stable inventory levels, hospitals and healthcare facilities can work with distributors to leverage historical data and collaborate with supply chain teams to establish flexible ordering strategies. This shifts the burden away from providers.
According to the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA), providers who work with a distributor gain 30% more time and resources to devote to patient care. Plus, distributors like Cardinal Health can quickly flex if PPE needs spike.
“Our distribution network is built for resilience and designed to adapt to changing customer needs,” said Sherrick Orie, vice president of operations for Cardinal Health’s North America medical distribution. “Through a hub-and-spoke system connecting our replenishment and forward distribution centers, we maintain strong inventory positions and prioritize PPE this time of year to ensure providers have what they need so they can focus on their patients.”
Our wide range of PPE solutions create a barrier between healthcare workers and patients, reducing everyone’s risk of illness and allowing clinicians to continue providing care. As a best practice, healthcare facilities may consider prioritizing the supply and proper use of a variety of PPE products, including:
- N95 Respirators
- Procedural masks
- Exam gloves
- Infection control apparel including gowns, coveralls, footwear and more
- Face shields and eye protection
Prioritizing sharps safety for vaccine administration
Many hospitals and healthcare facilities run influenza vaccination programs for their local communities and staff. Having the right products and a plan in place helps ensure facilities are equipped to deliver vaccines and do so safely. Part of the planning process may include staff training, plus a needs assessment to maintain adequate stock of vaccines and necessary supplies. This assessment should consider fluctuating demand during surges – and take into account varying factors like patient age, gender and weight.
“Vaccination teams will need to use a specific needle length depending on the patient and the location of injection. That’s why it’s important to have a variety of products available to accommodate all patients,” said Charles Kraft, RN, senior consultant for acute nursing care products at Cardinal Health. “Additionally, the planning process should include hands-on training for those administering vaccines to reduce the potential for accidents.”
The CDC estimates up to 88% of sharps injuries can be prevented by choosing safer medical devices. Safety-engineered devices like our Monoject™ Sharps Safety Products are designed to decrease the risk of needlestick injuries, minimize exposure to blood and bodily fluid, and comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Examples of this technology include:
- Safety needles with integrated and robust shields that cannot easily be removed and are activated with one hand to help prevent accidental needlestick exposures.
- Blunt-tip and cannula needles designed with a blunt point to reduce risks of injury.
- Disposable sharps containers with lids that allow for one handed disposal, forced horizontal drop and counterbalanced lids to prevent access to sharps once they’re disposed.
Learn more about how Cardinal Health supports healthcare facilities with essential medical products and supplies at cardinalhealth.com.
