Analysis of Qualitative Data for Problems and Suggestions in Cold Chain Logistics Management of Pharmaceutical Products
Keywords:
pharmaceutical logistics, cold chain, drugs and medical supplies, qualitative research, Atlas.tiAbstract
This research was conducted with the key objectives to assess current problems in the management, storage, transportation, and distribution of pharmaceutical products from key stakeholders and to suggest guidelines for practical policies. The designed open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from samples of seven stakeholder groups, which were (1) medical personnel, (2) medical representative, (3) distributor, (4) logistics service provider, (5) drug store personnel, (6) regulatory agencies, and (7) others. The collected data from a total of 332 samples were analyzed to obtain qualitative results using content analysis through the computer-based Atlas.ti software. Analyzed data related to problems were inclusive of 58 codes which could be further synthesized into 9 groups. In particular, the top 3 problems were (1) proper control of temperature, (2) equipment, resource, and storage usage, and (3) lack of understanding and training. Additionally, recommendations and suggestions from the analyzed sample groups could be compiled into 66 codes, in which the data were synthesized into 9 groups. Key suggestions were: (1) drug transportation and distribution control, and (2) training and knowledge dissemination. In summary, our research implications are that enforcement and training for cold chain logistics of pharmaceutical products is further needed to enhance stakeholders’ perceptions and skills. Moreover, technology utilization becomes indispensable in order to efficiently manage the cold chain and logistics system of healthcare cold chain.
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