What can be a direct effect of variable product quality from suppliers?

Variable product quality from suppliers can lead to potential harm to patients for several reasons. When the quality of products—such as medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, or equipment—is inconsistent, it creates a risk of adverse outcomes in patient care. For instance, if a medical device does not meet safety standards or if a medication is substandard, it can directly jeopardize patient health, leading to complications, ineffective treatments, or even life-threatening situations.

Healthcare facilities rely on consistent product quality to ensure that they provide safe and effective care. When the quality is variable, it undermines this foundation and can lead to legal implications, increased costs from errors, and damage to the facility's reputation. Ensuring high product quality is crucial not only for patient safety but also for maintaining trust in the healthcare system overall.

In contrast, the other options relate to positive outcomes that do not directly arise from variable product quality. Increased vendor satisfaction and higher patient trust typically come from reliable and quality products, while lower operational costs are unlikely when dealing with the fallout from poor quality supplies.