Short-Term Equipment Rentals Are a Critical Preparedness Tool

For years, hospitals have marched steadily towards normalizing remote services and capabilities—such as telemedicine and remote diagnostics. Gradually, healthcare supply chains have risen to anticipate these demands with a new generation of devices and remote capabilities.

But global events can impact these supply chains as hospitals experience sudden spikes in technology requirements. These same organizations often don’t have the immediate capital assets to finance the requisite equipment; and because of the temporary nature of these crises, they don’t have the financial incentives to purchase large amounts of equipment abruptly, only to be stuck with those investments long term.

Hospitals need flexibility to access critical hardware during crises, without obligation to keep and continue paying for that equipment later. Fortunately, short-term rental financing options can help these organizations meet the immediate demands of patients and maintain continuity as crises continue.

On any given day, healthcare supply chains provide life-giving equipment to staff and facilities who have achieved some level of normalcy and predictability in meeting patient demands. But even when executing disaster preparedness best practices, sudden disruptions in the balance between demand and supply can cause operational and financial problems for organizations.

Large-scale accidents and the spread of disease, for example, can create sustained demand for medical equipment and supplies. These events can be commonly occurring events, such as the flu season, which grow to unexpected scales; or novel events that take medical professionals and suppliers by surprise.

As healthcare organizations seek to quickly scale up equipment stockpiles, choke points emerge leading to untenable costs. Organizations may require expensive equipment on a temporary basis and nonetheless become locked into long-term financing that wastes resources. Healthcare organizations need better options when coordinating supplies logistics to pivot and meet immediate demands without these financial burdens.

Short-term rentals allow healthcare organizations to do just that. Organizations can invest in lifesaving, operationally sustainable equipment, then replace, upgrade, or return that equipment later without the risk of the equipment losing its value or becoming obsolete. In this way, healthcare organizations only pay for equipment while it’s useful, with the option of extending the life of the lease if its utility remains.

Short-term rentals are available for a variety of equipment medical professionals need. This includes operations-critical tools like X-Ray machines and ultrasounds, but also laptops, tablets, networking tools, and other digital resources that are essential to telemedicine and remote diagnostic scenarios.

Short-term equipment rentals are a strategic mechanism that puts hospitals ahead of the curve on operational, budgetary, and disaster preparedness. With the latest innovations at their disposal, these organizations can provide the public with the best-in-class services available, no matter the circumstances.