Port Worker Strike Resource Center 

This Emergency Resource Center is being brought to you as part of our ongoing partnership with the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN). AHVAP is making this special resource center available to all AORN members and healthcare value analysis professionals/leaders. 

As many of you are aware, the potential strike by port workers across major shipping ports in the United States is raising serious concerns regarding the availability of essential medical products and medications. The strike could affect 36 ports on the East and Gulf Coasts. This includes six of the nation's 10 busiest ports. Should this strike occur, we expect significant disruptions in the supply chain, particularly for imported goods and raw materials critical to patient care. More than one-in-three containers exported from the U.S. with life-saving medications leave from the Port of Norfolk in Virginia, while nearly 30% of containerized pharmaceutical imports enter the U.S. at the Port of Charleston in South Carolina. The impact of this port worker strike can impact the availability of critical medications utilized for surgery and anesthesia. 

The healthcare sector, which relies heavily on timely deliveries of surgical instruments, medical devices, personal protective equipment (PPE), and pharmaceuticals, could face severe shortages in the coming weeks. These disruptions will likely have direct consequences for our perioperative teams, increasing the risk of delayed surgeries, treatment interruptions, and shortages of critical supplies.

Anticipated Impacts: 

  1. Delays in Medical Product Deliveries: Many medical products and supplies are imported through major shipping ports, and the strike could severely delay the arrival of essential items such as surgical trays, sutures, and sterilization supplies. This could affect operating room schedules and patient safety.
  2. Shortages of Medications: Medications, especially those with limited domestic production or reliant on international sources, may face supply shortages. This could impact everything from anesthetics used in perioperative care to commonly prescribed medications.
  3. Increased Costs and Resource Allocation: Limited availability of supplies could drive up costs for the medical products that remain in circulation, forcing healthcare organizations to allocate additional resources to source alternatives or manage existing stock. Value analysis professionals will be called upon to evaluate alternative suppliers and products, balancing cost, quality, and availability. 

What We Can Do: 

In preparation for potential shortages, it is essential that we take proactive measures to mitigate the impact on patient care and organizational operations. We recommend the following immediate actions:

  • Inventory Review: Conduct a thorough review of your current inventory for critical perioperative supplies and medications. Identify potential shortages and prioritize procurement of essential items while maintaining flexibility for alternative products.
  • Collaboration with Suppliers: Work closely with your suppliers to stay informed about their inventory and shipment statuses. Open communication can help identify delays early and provide opportunities to seek alternative sourcing options before supplies run out.
  • Evaluating Alternatives: Engage your value analysis teams to evaluate and pre-approve substitute products or alternative vendors for high-risk items. Having these alternatives vetted ahead of time can prevent treatment disruptions and delays in perioperative care.
  • Resource Sharing and Partnerships: Collaborate with other healthcare organizations in your region to explore resource-sharing agreements that ensure critical supplies remain available to all facilities in times of shortage.

Looking Ahead

We recognize that the uncertainty surrounding the potential port worker strike can create anxiety for healthcare providers and administrators alike. However, by taking early, coordinated steps to prepare, we can mitigate the effects of supply chain disruptions and continue providing high-quality, timely care to our patients.

We encourage each of you to engage your teams in discussions around contingency planning and to communicate regularly with your supply chain and procurement departments as we monitor the situation closely.

Food and Drug Administration Resources: 

Drug Shortage List: ACCESS HERE

Medical Devices Shortage List: ACCESS HERE

 

Additional Suggested Resources for Clinical Practice:

AHVAP Position Statements: ACCESS HERE

AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice: ACCESS HERE

HealthcareReady Supply Ready: Leading Practices for Disaster-Related Supply Chain Resilience in Community Health Centers

Healthcare Ready Enhancing Community Health Center Supply Chain Preparedness and Resilience Collaborative Procurement Playbook

Healthcare Ready Worksheet 1: Quick EP Checklist

Healthcare Ready Worksheet 2: Collaborative Procurement

Healthcare Ready Critical Supplies Guide

Healthcare Ready Alert Hub