There are two primary types of supplies and technology needed to provide proper medical patient care: those that contribute directly to the patient's treatment; and those that provide comfort to patients awaiting treatment. Products that fit in the latter category are variously referred to as patient care supplies, patient care equipment or even patient care devices. While not strictly essential for treatment, these items are vital for care and to promote full, speedy patient recovery.

A hospital patient or a patient in any type of medical facility is often distressed to be away from home and weakened by illness or treatment. Patient care furniture and supplies let patients rest more comfortably and, therefore, to focus on getting better. If your medical facility needs hospital patient care products or supplies, consider:

1. Buying patient care products that improve patient safety and promote speedy recovery.

2. Investing in patient care technology and programs to ensure the highest level of care.

3. Hiring a consultant to develop effective patient care strategies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy patient care supplies to increase patient comfort and safety

In order to take care of patient needs, you need necessary products that are not necessarily essential medical equipment. These types of patient care products might include cleaning supplies, patient medical wear, disposable patient care medical supplies, wound care products, incontinence products, fall monitor alarms and other supplies.

I recommend: QuickMedical, a medical supply store founded in 1993, offers over fifteen thousand medical products--including patient care supplies. Patient Care Systems carries a complete line of patient care technologies, such as bariatric products, specialty support surfaces and patient safety products.

Invest in patient care software and technology that allows your facility to focus on patients

Patient care is not all about having the right patient care device or supplies. A large part of patient care comes from good communication; when staff can interact with patients well and pass on reliable, up-to-date information about care and diagnoses, patients feel far more comfortable. Patient care programs allow medical staff to have more time for patient care and to access the information necessary to provide the best care possible.

I recommend: Patient Care Technology Systems offers a number of patient care software programs, including an automatic tracking system that allows medical facilities to instantly track patients, charts, equipment and staff, so employees can devote more time to patient care. GetWellNetwork's PatientLife:)System 2.0 allows medical facilities to deliver personalized, coordinated medical information to each patient, track patient progress and free staff from some administrative tasks.

Hire a patient care consultant to elevate the level of service offered to patients

Patient care, in many ways, really hinges on service, not just on supplies. In addition to having the right equipment, every member of a medical community must provide excellent care to all patients. Consultants can help determine both the level of your facility's patient care effectiveness and how you can make improvements.

I recommend: Empath offers consultation services aimed at increasing patient satisfaction and care. The company has been in business since 1996 and takes on only a limited number of clients to provide each medical facility with the highest quality of service. 5THink offers consulting services that help medical facilities of all kinds develop the best patient service and care environments.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Determining which patient care equipment and supplies your medical facility needs can be challenging. Starting with an audit or consultation and focusing on service first is one effective way to determine which supplies you really need and which supplies are simply draining your facility's budget.