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Table 3 Criticality scaling

From: Classification of medicines and materials in hospital inventory management: a multi-criteria analysis

Criticality level

Significance

Description

Inventory manager attention

W (weekly)

High criticality

If the item is missing, it can cause downtime and jeopardize the safety of the patient and institution; it cannot be replaced by other equivalents

The inventory manager must monitor weekly for items classified in this class

B (biweekly)

Medium criticality

If the item is missing, it can cause downtime and put people and the environment at risk; it can be replaced with relative ease

The inventory manager must monitor biweekly for items classified in this class

M (monthly)

Low criticality

If the item is missing, it does not cause downtime or risks to patient safety; it can be easily replaced and is also easy to procure

The inventory manager must monitor monthly for items classified in this class