A-207 Enhancing Healthcare Delivery Network Laboratories: The Role of Third-Party Consultants in Benchmarking and Reviewing RFP Results
Authors: Jurinic E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Healthcare delivery networks, particularly laboratory services, play a critical role in patient care and diagnosis. However, ensuring the quality and efficiency of these services can be challenging due to the complex and dynamic nature of healthcare systems. Third-party consultants offer valuable expertise in benchmarking and reviewing Request for Proposal (RFP) results, which can improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of laboratory services within healthcare networks.

Methods
To evaluate the role of third-party consultants in enhancing healthcare delivery network laboratories, the author conducted surveys to 50 laboratory leaders with a 50% response rate and analyzed the following aspects: Benchmarking: Comparing laboratory performance metrics with industry best practices and peer institutions to identify areas for improvement. RFP Review: Utilizing subject matter experts to assess the technical and financial proposals submitted by vendors to ensure compliance with RFP requirements and to identify the most suitable vendor for the network. Emotional Procurement: Minimizing the influence of emotional factors, such as personal relationships or brand loyalty, during the RFP process.

Results
Improved Quality: 65% said they can save &gt;50 hours of labor utilizing a 3rd party for RFP, thus able to focus on patient results and quality. Cost Savings: 76% of respondents said consultants can help networks reduce expenses and improve their financial performance by 10-20% above and beyond incumbent negotiations. Emotional Procurement Mitigation: While the specific statistics supporting the influence of consultants on mitigating emotional factors in procurement decisions are not readily available, the broader impact of emotions on decision-making is well-documented. Therefore, while direct statistics may be limited, the influence of emotions on procurement decisions is a recognized factor in the field of decision science and consumer behavior. Turn around time: 70% of respondents said utilizing a 3rd party can reduce the turnaround time of a sourcing event from &gt;3 months to &lt; 1months.

Conclusions
Third-party consultants can provide valuable insights and expertise in benchmarking and reviewing RFP results, leading to several benefits. They can play a crucial role in enhancing healthcare delivery network laboratories by providing valuable expertise in benchmarking, reviewing RFP results, communication and reducing turnaround time. By improving quality, reducing costs, mitigating emotional procurement based on brand loyalty, and enhancing collaboration, consultants can help networks deliver high-quality services to patients and improve their overall performance. Consultants can facilitate more focused communication and partnership development between laboratories, vendors, and other stakeholders, ensuring a seamless transition and optimal performance without scope creep. As healthcare networks continue to evolve and face new challenges, the role of third-party consultants will become increasingly important in ensuring the quality and efficiency of laboratory services, potentially resulting in $100’s of millions in cost takeout across the country.