Exploring integrated supply chain performance in healthcare: a service provider perspective

Abstract

Purpose: The paper identifies the antecedents and consequences of integrated supply chain performance (ISCP) in healthcare systems. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a review of the literature constructs of supply chain flexibility (SCF), employee relationships (ERs), organizational orientation (OO) and knowledge exchange (KE) were identified as antecedents of ISCP, and patient centricity (PC) emerged as its consequence. This structural relationship was tested using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings: ERs, SCF, OO and KE positively impacted the performance of an integrated healthcare supply chain. Furthermore, enhanced ISCP in operational processes of the hospital positively influenced patient centeredness and care quality. Research limitations/implications: Paper contributes by identifying antecedents and consequences of ISCP. Future researchers may explore the inter-relationships among the antecedents of ISCP. Practical implications: Insights from this study will help practitioners in enhancing hospital operations by integrating processes along the healthcare service supply chain and developing a patient-centric approach. Social implications: This paper highlights how PC may be achieved by focusing on a facilitative internal environment. This understanding may help in designing processes that deliver health as a social good in an effective manner. Originality/value: The empirical evidence from this study can help hospitals integrate their functions, thus, enabling them to deliver quality care.