Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

What is a central dispatch system primarily based on?

1. A fixed budget of medical supplies

2. A predetermined quota of items

3. An assessment of staff needs

4. A real-time inventory system

The correct answer is: A predetermined quota of items

A central dispatch system is primarily based on the assessment of supply availability and demand, which is best represented by the notion of a real-time inventory system. This approach allows for the ongoing monitoring and management of medical supplies, ensuring that items are dispatched according to current needs rather than relying on static quotas or predetermined budgets. Using a real-time inventory system provides significant advantages, including the ability to track the usage of supplies dynamically and respond to variations in demand promptly. This system supports the efficiency of medical supply management and enhances patient care by ensuring that necessary items are available when required. The other options suggest a more rigid approach that can limit flexibility. A fixed budget may constrain supply availability, a predetermined quota might not accurately reflect current needs, and an assessment of staff needs could lack the responsiveness that a real-time system offers. Thus, a real-time inventory system is central to effective dispatch and resource allocation.