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.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Fabiana Marras gratefully acknowledges Sardinia Regional Government for the financial support of her PhD scholarship (P.O.R. Sardegna F.S.E. Operational Programme of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, European Social Fund 2007-2013 – Axis IV Human Resources, Objective l.3, Line of Activity l.3.1).
Citation
Pinna, R., Carrus, P.P. and Marras, F. (2015), "The drug logistics process: an innovative experience", The TQM Journal, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 214-230. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-01-2015-0004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited