A systematic literature review of healthcare supply chain and implications of future research. Issue 4 (4th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dixit, Anuj; Routroy, Srikanta; Dubey, Sunil Kumar
• Is Part Of: International journal of pharmaceutical and healthcare marketing. Volume 13:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 405
• Page End: 435
• Publication Date: 2019-11-04
• Subjects: Pharmaceutical supply chain -- Drug supply chain -- Healthcare supply chain -- Hospital supply chain -- Vaccine supply chain; Pharmaceutical industry -- Marketing -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Marketing -- Periodicals; 338.4761510688
• DOI: 10.1108/IJPHM-05-2018-0028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-6123

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This paper aims to review the healthcare supply chain (HSC) literature along various areas and to find out the gap in it. Design/methodology/approach: In total, 143 research papers were reviewed during 1996-2017. A critical review was carried out in various dimensions such as research methodologies/data collection method (empirical, case study and literature review) and inquiry mode of research methodology (qualitative, quantitative and mixed), country-specific, targeted area, research aim and year of publication. Findings: Supply chain (SC) operations, performance measurement, inventory management, lean and agile operation, and use of information technology were well studied and analyzed, however, employee and customer training, tracking and visibility of medicines, cold chain management, human resource practices, risk management and waste management are felt to be important areas but not much attention were made in this direction. Research limitations/implications: Mainly drug and vaccine SC were considered in current study of HSC while SC along healthcare equipment and machine, hospitality and drug manufacturing related papers were excluded in this study. Practical implications: This literature review has recognized and analyzed various issues relevant to HSC and shows the direction for future research to develop an efficient and effective HSC. Originality/value: The insight of various aspects of HSC was explored in general for better and deeper understanding of it for designing of an efficient and competent HSC. The outcomes of the study may form a basis to decide direction of future research.