Good supply decisions are those that endure. They start from the strategic view where risk was assessed and understood by all ... including finance and purchasing. Good everyday purchasing decisions require strong leadership. Buying products where tolerances are poorly defined can easily sink into single, price-based criterion.
In hospitals, this is minimized by the Infection Control Committee which must approve all supply changes. Such integrating bodies are less prevalent in long-term care operations. It is oh so tempting to buy something cheaper to the cheers of those unaware of the attendant HAI risk factor.
