Case Studies

To learn more about Group Uniform Programs Powered by SmartScrubs, contact us at 800.231.5965 or groups@smartscrubs.com Visit smartscrubs.com/groups Large University-based Medical Center Case Study Further complicating the initiative, uniform vendors at the time weren't offering a lot of variety in styles and colors. Even more daunting for the nursing director was the prospect of receiving and distributing thousands of uniforms in an orderly and efficient manner. So the hunt began for a vendor who could offer custom products and service. "Finding a vendor that was willing to partner with us was very important," she emphasizes. Solutions Medical center administrators presented a slideshow to their staff featuring examples of the mishmash of work apparel currently being worn at their facility. They also released the results of the patient satisfaction survey that showed patient confusion regarding their caregivers. Administrators then orchestrated a fashion show for their nurses featuring a few uniform vendors to get them excited about their options. Finally, they coordinated a vote to allow the nurses to choose the uniform colors they would be assigned. The nurses chose the university's primary color – a color also important to administrators from a branding perspective. Clearly no uniform vendor offered the brand-specific color in their existing line of products. SmartScrubs was already in the forefront of the nursing director's mind due to the unparalleled quality of their S.C.R.U.B.S. brand. So SmartScrubs agreed to develop a line of products in the university's brand color specifically for the medical center. "The fact that they were willing to work with us and do a custom color was very important," the nursing director stresses. But the nursing director found that she needed smaller sizes for her staff than the S.C.R.U.B.S. brand offered. So SmartScrubs began manufacturing an XXS across their line of products to ensure the medical center's employees would find the perfect fit. Later, SmartScrubs also designed a fleece jacket to meet the medical center's requirements and added it to their product line. "[SmartScrubs was] willing to partner with us to really develop a program to meet our needs," the nursing director explains. Because SmartScrubs offers bundled shipping and multilocation delivery options, distribution of uniforms became a simple process for the nursing director. Employees can currently order their own uniforms on the medical center's custom uniform portal, and have the option of shipping their uniforms directly to their home. Uniforms that are delivered to the hospital are bundled into individual orders and labeled with each employee's name. Results The medical center has 3,000 employees comprising 20 departments in color-coded uniforms embroidered with the organization's logo, including nurses in the university's brand color. Because they plan to roll the program out to additional areas of the medical center, they have not yet completed another patient survey. But initial feedback indicates the uniforms are making a difference. Patient satisfaction scores are up in general. "Our physician colleagues love it," the nursing director adds. "As one of our doctors said, 'I'm one doctor that works in three different units, and not knowing who the nurse is when you're walking into a unit …'. Now he knows!" Though initially skeptical, employees have embraced the uniform policy, according to the nursing director. "It's definitely instilled a sense of pride in our staff." And her job has gotten easier. "Now that everyone's getting their uniforms at home and they're able to take the initiative and handle that themselves, we're down to a couple of hours a month that I really have to spend on uniforms," she says. After piloting the uniform program at the medical center, including the inpatient and ambulatory divisions, the organization decided to implement the program at one of their hospital locations as well. According to the nursing director, the partnership between the medical center and SmartScrubs has been so successful other companies have taken notice. "There weren't a lot of options out there," she explains. "Now when you look, there is much more customization. It's changed the game." "SmartScrubs has been a good partner," she continues. "Any vendor that is willing to grow with you and really accommodate and help you achieve your outcomes and partner with you … that's a vendor that we want to keep working with." 83738v1_090316 © 2015 SmartScrubs. All rights reserved. SmartScrubs and the SmartScrubs logo are registered trademarks of SmartScrubs, LLC in the United States and/or other countries. All other brands and names are the property of their respective owners.

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