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The objective of this paper is to propose an approach to comparatively analyze the performance of drugs and consumable products warehouses belonging to different healthcare institutions.

A Cluster Analysis is completed in order to classify warehouses and identify common patterns based on similar organizational characteristics. The variables taken into account are associated with inventory levels, the number of SKUs, and incoming and outgoing flows.

The outcomes of the empirical analysis are confirmed by additional indicators reflecting the demand level and the associated logistics flows faced by the warehouses at issue. Also, the warehouses belonging to the same cluster show similar behaviors for all the indicators considered, meaning that the performed Cluster Analysis can be considered as coherent.

The study proposes an approach aimed at grouping healthcare warehouses based on relevant logistics aspects. Thus, it can foster the application of statistical analysis in the healthcare Supply Chain Management. The present work is associated with only one regional healthcare system.

The approach might support healthcare agencies in comparing the performance of their warehouses more accurately. Consequently, it could facilitate comprehensive investigations of the managerial similarities and differences that could be a first step toward warehouse aggregation in homogeneous logistics units.

This analysis puts forward an approach based on a consolidated statistical tool, to assess the logistics performances in a set of warehouses and, in turn to deepen the related understanding as well as the factors determining them.

The purpose of this paper is to apply GM (1, 1) and TFGM (1, 1) models on the healthcare sector, which is a new area, and to show TFGM (1, 1) forecasting accuracy on this sector.

GM (1, 1) and TFGM (1, 1) models are presented. A hospital’s nine months (monthly) demand data is used for forecasting. Models are applied to the data, and the results are evaluated with MAPE, MSE and MAD metrics. The results for GM (1, 1) and TFGM (1, 1) are compared to show the accuracy of forecasting models. The grey models are also compared with Holt–Winters method, which is a traditional forecasting approach and performs well.

The results of this study indicate that TFGM (1, 1) has better forecasting performance than GM (1, 1) and Holt–Winters. GM (1, 1) has 8.01 per cent and TFGM (1, 1) 7.64 per cent MAPE, which means excellent forecasting power. So, TFGM (1, 1) is also an applicable forecasting method for the healthcare sector.

Future studies may focus on developed grey models for health sector demand. To perform better results, parameter optimisation may be integrated to GM (1, 1) and TFGM (1, 1). The demand may be predicted not only for the total demand on hospital, but also for the demand of hospital departments.

This study contributes to relevant literature by proposing fuzzy grey forecasting, which is used to predict the health demand. Therefore, the new application area as the health sector is handled with the grey model.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of health insurance ownership of individuals in the Sri Lankan labor force and to examine how insurance ownership impacts healthcare utilization.

The authors first used logit model to explore determinants of health insurance ownership. The authors then employed propensity score matching method to estimate impact of insurance ownership on healthcare utilization. Data were obtained from national survey of self-reported health in Sri Lanka – 2014 (n=59,276). National survey of self-reported health in Sri Lanka – 2014 was conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics from January to December 2014.

Results showed that individuals with higher educational attainments, headed by literate-heads, based in urban sector, employed in formal sector, and with health adversities and higher degree of risk propensity are more inclined to have a health cover. Health insurance ownership reduces the likelihood of utilizing public facilities while increasing the likelihood of utilizing private facilities for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and acute illnesses. Welfare consequences of expanding insurance ownership are doubtful due to oligopolistic private healthcare market and adverse selection issue faced by insurers in Sri Lanka.

This is the first study examining health insurance–healthcare utilization nexus based on Sri Lanka-wide microdata. Also, the study applies bias-corrected matching methods to establish causal links between two constructs. Without being so generalized, healthcare utilization is examined in terms of NCD care and Acute illnesses care, which improves robustness of results and leads to evidence-based healthcare policies.

The peer review history for this paper is available at: https//publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-05-2019-0333.

Indian healthcare system, especially in rural regions, faces several problems that prevent it from achieving universal and sustainable healthcare coverage. The purpose of this paper is to capture such problems through expert opinions and provide solution concepts that are derived from other similar scenarios.

Delphi study has been conducted with 38 experts from diverse areas related to the Indian healthcare sector. Nineteen theses were formulated based on the discussion with experts and were reconfirmed through intensive desktop research. Finally, theses were subjected to expert panel member’s evaluation.

The pool of arguments provided by the participating experts included 415 written statements explaining the (dis-)agreement with the theses. The experts achieved consensus in six theses with interquartile ranges smaller or equal to 20. The written arguments provided by experts were summarized into five different categories, namely interrelations/dependencies in healthcare, inequalities in healthcare, lack of proactive measures, importance of healthcare personnel and role of government in healthcare. Finally, a framework is proposed mapping the issues identified at different stages of the healthcare value chain. Problem-based cost allocation and hub-and-spoke model are discussed as potential solutions for the issues identified.

Lack of empirical and statistical data on the effective cost arising from the present issues suggests future research to determine these expenses and therefore examine the feasibility of applying the problem-based cost allocation framework discussed in this study.

Results show that merely targeting the supply side of healthcare falls short of the mark, especially in a country, such as India, with large socio-economic differentials. Healthcare system, hence, should be viewed from a market perspective, taking both forces of supply and demand into consideration.

This study intends to allow for a comprehensive approach to identify the issues in Indian healthcare system by reviewing the existing key studies in literature and validating it through empirical inputs from experts in the domain. Based on the validation, a framework is proposed mapping the issues identified at different stages of the healthcare value chain.

This paper explores how healthcare administration students perceive the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare leadership, mainly focusing on the sustainability aspects involved. It aims to identify gaps in current educational curricula and suggests enhancements to better prepare future healthcare professionals for the evolving demands of AI-driven healthcare environments.

This study utilized a cross-sectional survey design to understand healthcare administration students' perceptions regarding integrating AI in healthcare leadership. An online questionnaire, developed from an extensive literature review covering fundamental AI knowledge and its role in sustainable leadership, was distributed to students majoring and minoring in healthcare administration. This methodological approach garnered participation from 62 students, providing insights and perspectives crucial for the study’s objectives.

The research revealed that while a significant majority of healthcare administration students (70%) recognize the potential of AI in fostering sustainable leadership in healthcare, only 30% feel adequately prepared to work in AI-integrated environments. Additionally, students were interested in learning more about AI applications in healthcare and the role of AI in sustainable leadership, underscoring the need for comprehensive AI-focused education in their curriculum.

The research is limited by its focus on a single academic institution, which may not fully represent the diversity of perspectives in healthcare administration.

This study highlights the need for healthcare administration curricula to incorporate AI education, aligning theoretical knowledge with practical applications, to effectively prepare future professionals for the evolving demands of AI-integrated healthcare environments.

This research paper presents insights into healthcare administration students' readiness and perspectives toward AI integration in healthcare leadership, filling a critical gap in understanding the educational needs in the evolving landscape of AI-driven healthcare.

This literature review aims to assess the current research on healthcare job availability and skilled professionals. The objective of this research is to identify challenges caused by the imbalance between healthcare service demand and qualified professionals and propose potential solutions and future research directions.

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method was employed as the guiding framework for conducting this review. A qualitative research design analyzed 38 peer-reviewed, evidence-based research works from 50 journal publications. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical studies, observational research and comprehensive reviews published within the last ten years. Thematic and discourse analysis categorized themes and factors explored in selected publications.

The findings highlight significant challenges in the healthcare sector regarding job availability and skilled professionals. Developed countries face understaffed healthcare facilities, resulting in increased workloads and compromised care. Developing countries experience high rates of unemployment among healthcare graduates due to limited resources and mentorship.

Improving educational infrastructure, expanding training opportunities and increasing healthcare investments are crucial for nurturing a skilled workforce. Implementing effective retention policies, fostering international collaborations and addressing socioeconomic determinants can create a sustainable job market.

The healthcare sector faces critical challenges in balancing job availability and skilled professionals. Strategic solutions are proposed to create a sustainable and equitable healthcare workforce. By implementing recommendations and conducting further research, access to quality healthcare and global public health outcomes can be improved.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the main global transformations of the healthcare sector and their underlying causes and effects.

The study focuses on several important trends including the increasing life expectancy and aging, the rise of non-communicable diseases, the risks of pandemics, medication expenditure, the globalization of healthcare and technological innovations such as digitization, robotic and nanomedicine.

The analysis indicates that the world populations will be much older in the near future and the healthcare sector will witness significant growth opportunities. The aging populations will put more pressure on healthcare systems and increase the incidence of non-communicable diseases. In a globalized world, the risks of global pandemics are expected to increase. The surge in the medication expenditure will put much pressure on healthcare systems, insurers, patients, employers and providers. The healthcare sector is characterized by its above-average growth in the USA and much of the developed world. Therefore, the share of healthcare in gross domestic product will continue to rise. The digitization and globalization of healthcare may involve major disruptions in the location and the type of care. New materials particularly nanoparticles will be used to enhance the precision, quality and efficacy of diagnostics, medications and treatments.

The paper touches on several areas including demographic, clinical, financial, managerial and technological transformations and examines their implications for the healthcare sector.

This is an overview of the home care sector’s evolution in Canada, including current models and delivery structures, funding, eligibility criteria, and services provided. Cost escalations of the traditional healthcare system and a reduction in federal funding has driven health reform in Canada. This has been accompanied by a major but sporadic expansion of the home care sector across the country. For the home care sector to develop in a more rational, cost‐effective and client‐focused manner, the development of common standards, a common database and programme evaluation will be required. This will also be necessary for political, planning, and administrative officials to understand and justify the reallocation of resources from institutional to community health sectors. Addressing issues such as the impact of health reform, the role of the private sector, realignment of system incentives, and developing effective partnerships with hospitals is critical if home care is to be recognized as an essential, cost‐effective component in Canada’s healthcare system.

Beginning in the early 1990s, reform of the Italian Healthcare Service (NHS) led to a controlled competition system. Consequently, managers had to face a new institutional framework, one which was characterized by the following elements: citizens’ choice of the healthcare organizations to deliver the services they need; the integration of public healthcare organizations’ supply with private accredited organizations; the distinction between producing and purchasing organizations. Consequently, management of the purchasing and marketing functions can have a key role in the new situation. By presenting an analysis of national, regional, and local regulations and case analysis, this paper points out the main aspects concerning procurement policy in the Italian NHS. The implications for the internal market mechanism, the Purchasing and Marketing office’s role, and the activities implemented in order to contribute to a wide range of decisions are considered.

This paper proposes the adoption of Industry 4.0 (I4) technologies and lean techniques for improving operational performance in the healthcare sector.

The research adopted a systematic literature review and feedback of healthcare professionals to identify the inefficiencies in the current healthcare system. A questionnaire was used to get feedback from the patients and the hospital staff about the current practices and issues, and the expected impact of technology on existing practices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis.

The results indicate that I4 technologies lead to the improvement of the operational performance, and the perceptions about I4 technologies are made through the pre-medical diagnosis. However, a weak correlation between lean practices and healthcare operational performance compared to that of I4 technologies and operational performance indicate that lean practices are not fully implemented in the Sri Lankan healthcare sector to their full potential.

This study is limited to two government hospitals, with insights from only the doctors and nurses in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the study is limited to only selected aspects of I4 technologies (big data, cloud computing and IoT) and lean concepts (value stream mapping and 5S). Therefore, recommendations on the adoption of I4 technologies in the healthcare sector need to be made within the scope of the study investigation.

The implementation of I4 technologies needs careful consideration of process improvement as part of the overall plan for achieving the maximum benefits of technology adoption.

The findings of the research can be used as a benchmark/guide for other hospitals to explore the adoption of I4 technologies, and how process improvement from lean concepts could influence the overall operational performance.