Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Product Research

International Conference on Geriatrics & Gerontology

July 08-10, 2014 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago-North Shore Conference Center, USA

Tina E Difiore and Siba Saker

Accepted Abstracts: J Gerontol Geriat Res

Abstract:

statement: Our goal was to evaluate the impact of knowing the price on equipment usage in an inpatient hospital unit. Background/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of posting the cost of durable medical equipment on the products usage/wastage. In today?s health care environment, all health care providers are looking to cut cost and decrease wastage. Many times, health care providers are wasting supplies some without ever being used. For example it was observed that nurses were opening bathing kits just to retrieve on item in the kit and disposing of the remaining contents. This practice not only wastes money, but also increases the garbage in landfills. Additionally, recycling programs have had on a moderate effect on decreasing cost and waste but more needs to be done. Review of literature: A literature search covering the period 1997?2012 (15 years) was conducted. Fourteen articles on the effect of raising awareness of cost were evaluated and themes were identified. Findings revealed that additional studies were needed to evaluate the impact cost awareness on product usage. Methods: A study was designed that included monitoring product usage in an inpatient setting for three months prior to the intervention then the intervention which consisted of listing the prices in the supply room followed by monitoring for a period of three months more months to evaluate the impact the listing of prices had on the product usage. Outcomes: The findings include decrease usage of items that cost greater than $200 per unit. No affect was seen for items that were less expensive. A pulse survey of employee satisfaction done during this the time of this study should no change in the question regarding employees having the tools necessary to do their jobs. Additionally there was no affect seen on patient satisfaction especially in the domain of nursing being responsive to a patient?s request. Conclusion/Implications for Nursing: Analysis revealed that nurses having the ability to make informed decisions about supplies needed to care for patients including cost information affects product usage without impacting employee engagement or patient satisfaction.

Biography :

Tina E DiFioreis a clinical nurse specialist for Cleveland Clinic. She joined Hillcrest Hospital in 2009, and has been with Cleveland Clinic since 2001. She played an imperative role in the opening of Hillcrest Hospital?s new ICU in 2010, assisting with the design, planning and purchasing of equipment as well as education and training of all nursing staff. DiFiore?s extensive experience and expertise has made her a well-known resource for her nursing and caregiver colleagues. She is a highly motivated and diversified professional who leads through the building of interpersonal relationships, staff empowerment, successful delegation and more. Her strengths including decision-making, problem solving, team building and care coordination. DiFiore was the original creator of Cleveland Clinic?s annual neonatal nursing conference, which has been in existence since 2006.