Track: Logistics

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore logistics management knowledge conceptualized in healthcare context and to develop a conceptual framework based on those to understand the relationships between healthcare logistics and patient requirements. The conceptual framework is developed based on the comprehensive literature pertaining to logistics in healthcare service. Reviewing of comprehensive literature is the research approach to develop the conceptual framework, by identifying the principal knowledge in logistics as applied in healthcare. Healthcare and logistics terms and their significance are also addressed as the foundation to build the conceptual framework followed by the theoretical framework. The paper offers a useful conceptual framework for healthcare decision makers to improve an essential service, which directly impact on economy of the country. Further, the conceptual framework indicates a methodology to study the contribution of systems thinking in healthcare service in a broader perspective to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of different logistics flows.