Operating Logistics Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Drug Procurement and Distribution in Tertiary Hospital Drug Warehouses

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the factors related to pharmaceutical logistics operations that affect the efficiency of drug procurement and distribution in hospital pharmacies in tertiary hospitals. The study focused on key components of information systems, pharmaceutical logistics operations, and factors associated with the efficiency of drug procurement and distribution processes, with the aim of using the research findings as guidelines for developing an efficient and sustainable pharmaceutical inventory management system. The specific objectives were: 1) to assess the level of efficiency and the factors influencing information systems for pharmaceutical logistics and inventory management in tertiary hospitals; 2) to analyze the influence of information technology, work processes, and personnel on the efficiency of drug procurement and distribution; and 3) to propose guidelines for developing and enhancing information systems for pharmaceutical logistics and inventory management to support continuous and sustainable operations.
Methods: A quantitative research methodology was employed. The sample consisted of 400 personnel directly involved in drug procurement, storage, and distribution. The research instrument was a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire covering information systems, equipment and technology, work processes, personnel, and the efficiency of drug procurement and distribution. The questionnaire was validated for content validity by experts, with Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) values ranging from 0.67 to 1.00. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, with values ranging from 0.82 to 0.91, indicating a high level of reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to assess the levels of the relevant factors and system efficiency, together with multiple regression analysis to examine the relationships and influence of various factors on the efficiency of drug procurement and distribution.
Results: The results showed that the overall level of the information system for pharmaceutical logistics and inventory management was high. In particular, equipment and technology had a mean score of 4.29, while work processes had a mean score of 4.25. These findings indicate that the implementation of information technology and operational support systems plays an important role in pharmaceutical inventory management. Multiple regression analysis revealed that equipment and information technology had the strongest influence on the efficiency of drug procurement and distribution (β = 0.342), followed by work processes (β = 0.276) and personnel (β = 0.198), respectively. The five factors collectively explained 61.3% of the variance in efficiency (Adjusted R² = 0.606), with statistical significance at the 0.001 level. The findings suggest that appropriate information systems and technologies, systematic work processes, and competent personnel contribute to more accurate and efficient procurement planning, drug inventory control and monitoring, storage, and distribution.
Application of this study: The findings can be applied to the development of pharmaceutical logistics and inventory management systems in tertiary hospitals. Investment in modern information technologies, particularly Barcode/RFID systems and interdepartmental data integration, can facilitate systematic data management and real-time monitoring of drug inventory status. Work processes should be standardized and integrated across operational stages, while personnel should receive continuous training to enhance their knowledge and skills in information system utilization. At the policy level, hospital administrators should prioritize stable and secure information systems, accurate data management, effective interdepartmental connectivity, and continuous personnel development to improve the efficiency of drug procurement and distribution and reduce errors and losses.
Conclusions: The efficiency of pharmaceutical logistics and drug procurement and distribution in tertiary hospital pharmacies is significantly associated with information technology and equipment, work processes, and personnel. Information technology and equipment demonstrated the strongest influence among the identified factors. Therefore, integrating modern information technologies with standardized work processes and continuous personnel development is essential for strengthening pharmaceutical logistics and inventory management. Such improvements can enhance operational accuracy and efficiency while supporting sustainable pharmaceutical inventory management in tertiary hospitals.