Capacity for optimal performance of healthcare supply chain functions: competency, structural and resource gaps in the Northern Region of Ghana
Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Health Organization and Management
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
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Supply chain worker, Competency, Structural, Resources