A Mixed-Methods Framework for Assessing and Prioritizing Healthcare Logistics Management Barriers

Background: The management of healthcare supply chains (HSCs) involves complex logistical challenges across storage, transportation, and distribution. Methods: This study proposes a mixed-methods research framework to assess healthcare logistics management and identify improvement priorities in Thailand’s HSC. A structured questionnaire survey is conducted among six stakeholder groups, yielding 358 valid responses. Six healthcare logistics management dimensions, comprising 29 assessment items, are evaluated: personnel, documentation systems, product distribution, storage facilities, inventory management, and complaints and returns. Quantitative data are examined using descriptive statistics and the Borda Count method to assess stakeholder agreement and prioritize logistics management dimensions. Qualitative responses are analyzed through content analysis to identify operational challenges, supplemented by stakeholder suggestions for improvement. Results: The findings indicate high stakeholder agreement regarding the importance of the evaluated dimensions, with transportation, storage and inventory management, personnel, and facilities emerging as key priorities. Qualitative findings highlight challenges involving temperature control, infrastructure constraints, workforce competency, and communication. Conclusions: Integrating these findings, five evidence-informed policy recommendations are developed to address operational procedures, traceability, transportation reliability, storage management, and emergency preparedness. The proposed framework provides a systematic approach to assessing healthcare logistics requirements and supporting policy development and refinement of healthcare logistics management standards.