What measure is used to evaluate materials management effectiveness?

• A. Nursing hours per patient.
• B. Total hospital revenue.
• C. Average length of stay.
• D. Supplies cost per patient day benchmarked against similar hospitals.

Answer: (D)

In evaluating materials management effectiveness, you look at how efficiently supplies are purchased, stored, and used, normalized to patient care activity. The best measure is supplies cost per patient day, benchmarked against similar hospitals, because it directly reflects the cost efficiency of the supply chain and inventory practices when tied to actual patient care activity. Benchmarking adds context by showing how your hospital compares to peers with similar size and case mix, helping to identify whether costs are in line or if there’s room to cut waste, improve procurement, or reduce shrinkage.

The other options don’t target materials management as directly. Nursing hours per patient focuses on staffing efficiency, not how supplies are managed. Total hospital revenue reflects overall financial performance but not the specific efficiency of supply usage. Average length of stay measures clinical throughput and outcomes, not the cost and usage of materials.