Identifying the hospital logistics key performance indicators for public hospitals in remote areas of Thailand

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate and classify the hospital logistics key performance indicators (KPIs) using the context of public hospitals in remote areas. Design/methodology/approach The public hospitals in northern Thailand were selected for the case study. The questionnaire was developed and used to collect data from hospital logistics experts. Then, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to evaluate the hospital logistics KPIs in each dimension. Findings This research found that the procurement management dimension is ranked highest. Information and technology management is the last rank in the hospital logistics KPIs used for public hospitals in remote areas. Research limitations/implications The public hospitals located in northern Thailand were selected for the case study. Fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods can be used to reduce the vagueness of the values. Practical implications The results from this study can be a guideline for hospitals to improve the efficiency of their logistics operations. Social implications The decision-makers in the hospital can use these results to improve the hospital’s logistics performance in the future, which could help increase the service level and the safety of the patients. Originality/value The hospital logistics KPIs were revised, and the crucial KPIs were prioritized for improving the hospital logistics using the AHP method.