Facing the Future: Healthcare Supply Chain Leaders Endure Dual Crises of Disruption and Costs

Overview of the 2026 State of Healthcare Supply Chain Survey

In a significant revelation by symplr®, a prominent provider of enterprise healthcare operations software, their latest research on the State of Healthcare Supply Chain has uncovered troubling trends faced by industry leaders. The findings from the third annual survey shed light on the persistent challenges that supply chain leaders must navigate due to ongoing disruptions and rising cost pressures, a dual crisis that is impacting their decision-making and operational strategies.

The Changing Landscape

As healthcare systems strive to enhance efficiency while stabilizing their financial margins, supply chain leaders are now grappling with an environment that feels increasingly volatile. The survey indicates a stark shift in sentiment; more than half of the respondents (53%) anticipate worsening supply chain challenges in 2026, a significant increase from just 24% in the previous year. What was once considered temporary disruption has now morphed into a recurring challenge that leaders must address in their day-to-day operations.

The Impact of Clinical Integration

Another pressing issue highlighted by the survey is the deteriorating alignment between supply chain functions and clinical operations. Only 32% of respondents believe their supply chain is fully integrated with clinical practices, while support from clinicians—a critical component for successful supply chain initiatives—has significantly waned. A mere 3% expressed strong agreement that clinicians are backing supply chain efforts, showcasing a deep disconnect that can hinder efforts towards standardizing products and making informed, evidence-based decisions. This growing divide presents an additional hurdle that supply chain teams must overcome as they aim for cohesion and efficiency.

Rising Savings Targets Amid Challenges

Despite the ongoing material shortages, tariffs, and inflation impacting the healthcare landscape, organizations continually set ambitious savings targets. Most respondents reported multi-million-dollar savings goals for 2025, with expectations for even higher objectives in 2026. This environment has encouraged a transition from price-centric strategies to a more nuanced approach focused on product standardization and stronger collaborations with Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) and vendors. By fostering improved relationships with clinicians and emphasizing utilization management, healthcare supply chains hope to mitigate the compounding pressures they face.

Prioritizing Efficiencies and Clinical Partnerships

Under these challenging circumstances, supply chain leaders are prioritizing cost efficiency, enhancing patient care outcomes, and streamlining processes. Strategies include monitoring utilization effectively to reduce waste and ensure that resources are focused on what truly benefits patient care. Dee Donatelli, Vice President of Spend Management at symplr, emphasized that while the challenges have not dissipated, it's imperative to return to foundational practices—strengthening clinical partnerships, fostering evidence-based decision-making, and maintaining consistent operational processes.

Looking Ahead

As healthcare supply chains endure this dual crisis, the path forward lies in collaborative efforts and re-committing to best practices that drive efficiency and support clinical objectives. The insights gleaned from the 2026 State of Healthcare Supply Chain Survey highlight the importance of reshaping strategies, fostering unity between clinical and supply chain teams, and addressing the growing disruptions that define our current healthcare landscape.

For comprehensive insights from the survey and to explore the necessary steps for success in 2026 and beyond, visit symplr's report.

About symplr

symplr stands at the forefront of enterprise healthcare operations, offering innovative solutions designed to streamline operations within healthcare organizations. Their cloud-based platforms optimize provider data management, workforce management, quality, and spend solutions, enhancing overall operational performance across various health systems throughout the U.S. Trusted by 90% of hospitals and numerous health plans, symplr is dedicated to helping organizations thrive in a rapidly evolving sector.