Capacity for optimal performance of healthcare supply chain functions: competency, structural and resource gaps in the Northern Region of Ghana
Journal of Health Organization and Management
ISSN: 1477-7266
Article publication date: 12 October 2020
Issue publication date: 16 October 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The study drew on capacity framework around the individual, organisational, health system and wider context to explore gaps in health supply chain (HSC) workers capacity and competency to perform supply chain (SC) functions and the lessons for workforce development.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method study was conducted across the Northern Region of Ghana. Qualitative data were collected from in-depth interviews with 34 key SC managers at the regional, district and facility levels. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered through the RedCap mobile app to 233 core HSC workers and non-core workers (clinicians with additional responsibilities in SC). Data were managed and analysed inductively and deductively for themes.
Findings
Weak knowledge and competency in SC functions attributed to poor training exposure and organisational support for capacity building, undermined the capacity to perform basic SC functions, especially by the non-core category. The policy and regulatory environment of the HSC marketplace were described as fluid and with complexity of demands. Both worker categories, therefore, requested functional, technical, managerial and customer care competencies to anticipate and manage complexities. Structural characteristics of the health system giving narrow decision space to HSC workers cascaded the capacity for innovation and initiative and promoted frustrations among mid-level managers. Infrastructural deficits and shortfalls in operational resources scaled back the capacity to efficiently manage inventory and ensure that commodities reach clients in good quality.
Originality/value
Finding suggest that capacity building of HSC workers, strengthening of health institutions structural and resource capacity, and leveraging on technology will enable optimal performance of HSC functions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to Chemonics International Inc, Prime Contractor for the USAID Global Health Supply Chain – Procurement and Supply Management that provided funding for this work through its memorandum of understanding with the University of Ghana for health supply chain workforce development. Conflict of interest: None declare
Citation
Atinga, R.A., Dery, S., Katongole, S.P. and Aikins, M. (2020), "Capacity for optimal performance of healthcare supply chain functions: competency, structural and resource gaps in the Northern Region of Ghana", Journal of Health Organization and Management, Vol. 34 No. 8, pp. 899-914. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHOM-09-2019-0283
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited