Heidi Nobiling, Nursing Services and Patient Care
E-mail: Heidi-Nobiling@uiowa.edu
Sue Miller, Nursing Services and Patient Care
E-mail: Suzanne-Miller@uiowa.edu

Facilitator:

Terri Stoner

Team Charge: Review, propose and implement a new standard vital sign monitor that would be used throughout UI Hospitals and Clinics.

1. Select a standard model based on clinical and operational standards developed by this team to maintain consistency in results reported by monitors used in different units.
2. Standardize with specific group purchasing contracts for best pricing of equipment, parts, warranties and service.
3. Locate and standardize repair or replacement parts through Bioengineering Maintenance.
4. Specifically identify all dollars that can be saved by MFK from specific budget accounts and as well as report process improvements.

1. A team from multiple patient care areas was assembled to prepare specifications for a vital sign monitor that would meet the majority of UI Hospitals and Clinics needs. After preparation and then review of the specifications with four vendors, three vendors were found acceptable for bid. All vendors had the opportunity to present their monitors to the team and all monitors were used on multiple areas for several weeks.
2. The team requested quotations for purchases from the final three acceptable vendors. The quotation was for this fiscal year and to cover several years of purchases. Once we received those quotes, the team evaluated each offer. MDB Technology Services also evaluated the best offer and the bid offered was found to be an acceptable. The bid was awarded to GE Medical Systems for monitors, accessories, warranties and guarantees for service.
3. Repair and replacement parts have been standardized through Bioengineering. The bid award contains two-year parts and warranty with a guarantee to provide loaner models as needed.

The most significant was the very different needs by multiple areas. Once we accepted that we could award a bid to one vendor but each area could request a different model to meet their specific needs, we were able to standardize this purchase request.

Another significant barrier was the sales representation. It was difficult to get the vendors scheduled for their presentations to the team. It was also difficult to arrange for machines to be placed. Once the machines were here, it was difficult to keep the sales representatives out of all areas without appointments. Sue Miller, Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care, did a very good job of keeping the sales representatives in line.

Sue also managed the communication with all areas evaluating the equipment.

We have accepted the GE Medical bid to supply vital sign monitors, floor stands, and accessories for a period of three years with parts and labor warranty included within the bid price. The Department of Nursing and Patient Care Services will submit the request on the capital equipment budget for FY ’03, to replace the obsolete monitors. Bioengineering and Nursing will provide "obsolete" vital sign monitors as trade-in for the new product which will lower our expense overall.

Without the competitive bid and standardization, our Capital expense budget request for Vital Sign monitors would have been over $1,342,850. Our actual cost that includes accessories, poles, monitor, service/operational manuals, 50% savings on cuff packs, and repair expense with trade-in will be $806,250, or a savings of $536,600.

The Pro series of GE monitors will be upgraded in May 2002; GE Medical has agreed to provide UI Hospitals and Clinics with the newer model for the same price during this agreement period. The additional savings is $ 450.00 per monitor or to replace the obsolete monitors: a savings of an additional $ 96,000.00.