Case Study: Moving to a Reusable Underpad System

With waste disposal costs rising and meticulous value analysis being increasingly important, one large U.S. hospital wanted to examine both patient experience and the cost-saving opportunities in switching to a reusable incontinence pad.

Case Study Snapshot

• The hospital participated in a maximization analysis to identify and compare total costs associated with both disposable and reusable underpads to determine which item yields the lowest cost.

• Results presented to the hospital’s value analysis team (VAT) revealed significant annual cost savings by utilizing a reusable underpad (including processing costs) over a disposable, single-use option.

• Over a five-year period, the hospital has achieved savings of more than $225,000 by converting to a reusable underpad program, and the organization has eliminated a significant source of medical waste.

 

The Challenge

This hospital’s purchasing team recognized that over-reliance on disposable products was likely contributing to unnecessary costs in product acquisition, inventory and storage requirements, and waste disposal.

Members of the clinical and executive teams also know that incontinence-related issues can present significant challenges and costs—for the patient and for the healthcare organization. Within the U.S. healthcare system, Medicare will not reimburse a hospital for care associated with HAPIs (Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries) if those conditions developed after the patient was admitted to the hospital.

Gaining a full understanding of the true cost and the implications to patient care of a disposable versus a reusable underpad solution was important to this hospital system.

 

The Solution

Our team of linen management experts initiated a comprehensive analysis for the VAT’s review, comparing several costs associated with both reusable and disposable underpads to see which item yields the lowest total savings.  

Acquisition costs for both types of underpads were carefully recorded and shared, as well as the processing cost per pound and the number of expected washings per reusable underpad. Eventual waste disposal expenses for both types of underpads were also included in the evaluation.

 

The Results

By implementing a reusable underpad program, this hospital provides effective and convenient incontinence care and comfort for their patients while realizing significant cost-savings. 

• The analysis identified a significantly lower annual cost for the reusable underpad over the disposable item. In the first year of conversion to a reusable underpad solution, the hospital saved more than $45,000, including laundering costs.

• The reusable underpad also received an excellent response from the hospital’s nursing team. By converting to a reusable system and educating the clinical staff on effective product use, the hospital eliminated the use of 383 draw sheets per day, which had been used for patient positioning along with the disposable underpads. Further, the team also reduced the amount of flat sheets used per day from 1,680 to 1,521—contributing to even greater cost-savings.

• Over a five-year period, the hospital has achieved a savings of more than $225,000 by converting to a reusable underpad solution. This significantly exceeded their savings targets and expectations.

 

Have more questions? Want to talk about specific savings and sustainability strategies for your organization? Let’s connect. 

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