Logistics and procurement outsourcing in the healthcare sector: A comparative analysis. Issue 3 (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Skipworth, Heather; Delbufalo, Emanuela; Mena, Carlos
• Is Part Of: European management journal. Volume 38:Issue 3(2020:Jun.)
• Page Start: 518
• Page End: 532
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Logistics -- Procurement -- Outsourcing -- Public sector -- NHS England -- RHS Tuscany; Management -- Periodicals; Management -- Europe -- Periodicals; Gestion -- Périodiques; Gestion -- Europe -- Périodiques; Management; Europe; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 658.0094
• DOI: 10.1016/j.emj.2020.04.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2373

Abstract

Abstract: As outsourcing ventures become more complex, opportunities for synergies and efficiencies increase, but also create longer and more fragmented supply chains which could have disastrous consequences, particularly in a healthcare context. This study investigates the implications of outsourcing on healthcare supply chains by comparing two alternatives: outsourcing from public-to-private and outsourcing from public-to-public. A conceptual framework, adapted from previous literature, has been employed to provide a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon and consider the implications of logistics and procurement outsourcing on the healthcare supply chain structure and performance. The study presents a European cross-country comparison, analysing both the National Health Service (NHS) outsourcing in England (public-to-private outsourcing) and the Regional Health Service (RHS) outsourcing in the Tuscany region (Italy) (public-to-public outsourcing). Specificities and commonalities of the two outsourcing experiences provide suggestions for managers and policy-makers and enhance the current knowledge of outsourcing in the public healthcare sector.