Medication supply chain risk management for a brazilian home care provider: a business sustainability study

Health services are rapidly growing around the world and the supply chain risk management (SCRM) is imperative to achieve business sustainability in the long-term perspective. The present research aims to identify the risks in a home care health service provider, evaluating the potential failures causes and establishing actions to reduce the likelihood of patients' harm associated with medication process flaws. We conducted a single case study, evaluating and identifying possible risks in a health services company located in Brazil. Although the results of the present research have no statistical basis to support quantitative inferences, an approach based on qualitative criteria can be replicated. We followed a logical sequence of steps to manage the medicines and hospital products' supply risks, using standards and risk management (RM) tools widely applied by the professional and academic community. As main results, it was observed that wrong material kit supply as the most relevant issue for SCRM. As practical implications, this research has the potential to prevent people who depend on home care services, from receiving incorrect medicines (or failing to receive them). In extreme cases, such as the administration of medications that were incorrectly sent to patients, deaths can be avoided, since those involved in the outbound logistic processes will have the ability to work proactively in mitigating actions that avoid this type of risk.

Automated summary

This study conducted a single case study to evaluate the risks in a health services company in Brazil. The main finding was that wrong material kit supply was the most relevant issue for supply chain risk management. The research has the potential to prevent harm to patients and even save lives by addressing medication process flaws.