Enhancing Inventory Management of Saline in Wards: A Case Study of a Hospital in Thailand

This study aims to improve the management of saline solution in patient wards by reducing the frequency of emergency saline requests caused by occasional shortages. The research begins by collecting data on saline inventory management at a hospital in Thailand, analyzing and defining the scope of emergency saline requests, and determining the appropriate amount of saline to be stored in the wards. The study categorizes all saline usage data using ABC classification to prioritize usage and compares two inventory replenishment models: the Periodic Review Policy and the Continuous Review Policy. The objective is to determine which method is most effective in managing saline inventory levels. The results indicate that the Periodic Review Policy is the most suitable method for managing saline in patient wards. It allows for the calculation of the optimal storage quantity and the maintenance of an emergency reserve. The replenishment cycle is set at one day, with a delivery lead time of no more than three hours. This method ensures a 99% service level and significantly reduces emergency saline requests, stabilizing them at approximately 1,000 bottles per month. As a result, the overall management of saline is improved, and shortages in emergency situations are minimized.