Workflow for New Product Requests

UAMS has integrated a new tool called Symplr Spend, which will assist the UAMS Value Analysis Team (VAT) in efficiently reviewing products and services that enter our facilities.

Beginning 05-13-24, new product requests/trial requests will be initiated by UAMS physicians/clinicians (“Sponsor”) by submitting a New Product Request short form.

1. UAMS Sponsor submits short form

The New Product Request short form consists of 10 questions that collect the Sponsor’s contact information, the name of the product being requested, and the associated Vendor Rep’s contact information. The form link is accessible from supplychain.uams.edu/value-analysis/product-request.

2. Vendor Rep submits long form

When the short form is submitted, the vendor representative (“rep”) receives an email with a link to complete the New Product Request long form. Thanks to the Symplr product library, most of the product information will likely be auto-populated for the vendor.

3. UAMS Sponsor answers supplemental questions

Once the vendor rep submits the long form, the Sponsor will receive an email with a link to indicate if they want to advance or reject the request. If the Sponsor advances the request, they will answer supplemental questions about how the product will be used at UAMS. Sponsors: read the Quick Use Guide under Additional Help and Resources for instructions to advance or reject a request.

Once the initiating steps are complete, the review process begins.

4. VAT reviews request

A VAT member reviews the request to ensure all the required information was input. A specialized VAT reviews the product details and adds supporting information/data to the request (e.g., projected financial impact).

5. Sponsor presents to VAT Committee

Sponsor presents product request to the Value Analysis Committee at one of the monthly committee meetings.

6. VAT Committee votes

The Value Analysis Committee votes and issues a final decision.

Sponsors, for step-by-step instructions to submit the New Product Request form and complete the secondary UAMS Use form, see this Symplr Quick Use Guide for Physicians.