Research avenues in ensuring safety of healthcare operations: a perspective through logistics/supply chain, technology, quality and waste management

摘要

Healthcare operations and supply chains are increasingly becoming complex owing to patient's diverse treatment needs along with increased uncertainties in transportation and logistics in healthcare. Hence, healthcare sector requires research attention in ensuring safety and improving ergonomics. To address this issue in this study, we have done an extensive literature review (1990-2019) and have identified 79 papers. Furthermore, we have critically reviewed these papers and have classified them according to their contribution in the following sectors in healthcare: healthcare logistics, technology in healthcare, quality in healthcare and waste management in healthcare. We have classified the papers also based on their type of contribution: review, empirical, theoretical framework, case study and simulation/modelling. Lastly, the study identifies several research gaps and develops research questions across each dimension that will be useful for researchers in healthcare for further research.