The drug logistics process: an innovative experience

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the latest innovations in the drug distribution processes of hospital companies, which are currently dealing with high inventory and storage costs and fragmented organizational responsibilities. Design/methodology/approach – The literature review and the in-depth analysis of a case study support the understanding of the unit dose drug distribution system and the subsequent definition of the practical implications for hospital companies. Findings – Starting from the insights offered by the case study, the analysis shows that the unit dose system allows hospitals to improve the patient care quality and reduce costs. Research limitations/implications – The limitations of the research are those related to the theoretical and exploratory nature of the study, but from a practical point of view, the work provides important indications to the management of healthcare companies, which have to innovate their drug distribution systems. Originality/value – This paper analyzes a new and highly topical issue and provides several insights for the competitive development of a fundamental sector.

An apple a day – how the platform economy impacts value creation in the healthcare market

“…This requires further roles in the value network. For one thing, the role of the medical laboratory SP , which administers the tests and analyses, and a laboratory courier SP , which safely conveys both the specimen and reports with test results (Pinna et al 2015 ; Walters and Jones 2001 ). Another important logistics-oriented role is the patient transfer SP , which carries patients under medical supervision from their homes or places of accidents to a healthcare SP.…”

Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction in Pharmaceutical Logistics: An Analysis Based on Kano Model and Importance-Satisfaction Model

“…Logistics management is one of the critical enablers for successful services in the healthcare industry. As people expect efficient healthcare services, excellent pharmaceutical logistics are essential [6]. Several previous studies have indicated that healthcare organizations can substantially benefit from successful logistics management [7].…”

Benchmarking healthcare logistics processes – a comparative case study of Danish and US hospitals

“…Pinna and colleagues investigate pharmaceutical logistics flow redesign and the advantages of a unit dose distribution system. In addition to more simplified processes, advantages include reductions in ward stock, pharmacy inventory, medicine cabinet management, and likelihood of errors (Pinna, Carrus, & Marras, 2015). Al-Shaqha and Zairi provide case study examples of how re-engineering pharmaceutical processes can provide more patient-focused care by de-centralizing pharmacists to be part of the clinical care teams (Al-Shaqha & Zairi, 2000).…”