As global trade conditions shift, tariffs continue to present financial and operational challenges across the healthcare supply chain. From cost containment to continuity of supply, IDNs are reevaluating how they assess supplier risk, source products, and allocate spend. For suppliers, understanding how these shifting trade dynamics impact IDN procurement priorities is essential for maintaining strong relationships and competitive positioning. 

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the current and projected impact of tariffs on IDN purchasing strategies and supplier relationships.
2. Analyze how IDNs prioritize supplier partnerships based on risk mitigation and tariff-related pressures.
3. Identify strategies you can adopt to minimize tariff-related disruptions to IDN partners.
4. Formulate a value-based approach to supply chain support that aligns with evolving IDN purchasing goals under tariff pressures.

While much attention is given to clinical and direct spend, IDNs have become increasingly focused on optimizing indirect spend categories—ranging from IT and HR services to logistics and facilities management. For suppliers, this shift opens new opportunities and new expectations, particularly as purchased services become more centralized and strategically managed by GPOs. Hear from GPO and RPC representatives as they share recent noteworthy innovations in indirect spend on the radar of IDNs across the country.

Learning Objectives:
1. Explain how IDNs have redefined value in indirect spend categories, including purchased services.
2. Evaluate supplier roles and opportunities within strategic indirect spend initiatives across GPO and RPC partners.
3. Identify common obstacles suppliers face in aligning with IDN expectations for service-based contracts.
4. Develop strategies for enhancing competitiveness and relevance in indirect spend procurement models.

In a healthcare supply chain environment that demands accountability, transparency between providers and suppliers has become a key pillar of successful partnerships. From pricing clarity and performance metrics to contract expectations and service delivery, open communication fosters trust and drives better outcomes for both parties. For many IDNs, supplier behaviors of visibility, responsiveness, and data sharing can make or break long-term engagement. 

Learning Objectives:
1. Define the role of transparency in strengthening supplier-provider partnerships in today’s healthcare landscape.
2. Differentiate between transactional and strategic supplier relationships from the IDN perspective.
3. Judge the impact of transparency initiatives on pricing, contract performance, and operational decision-making.
4. Construct supplier engagement strategies that emphasize openness, collaboration, and shared performance goals.