Positive outcomes that can result from increased collaboration include greater cost efficiencies, improved negotiations, increased patient satisfaction, and higher quality and consistency of products and services. Collaboration though requires relationships built on mutual trust, openness, and honesty, and shared risk and reward. Discover opportunities for collaboration between IDNs and suppliers, the benefits and demonstrated value of collaborations, and how such collaborations will look going forward.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the importance of meaningful and tangible collaboration.
2. Outline methods of cultivating collaborations that are mutually beneficial.
3. Describe opportunities to build a stronger customer-supplier relationship.