0.5
Cite Score
SJR: 0.129 / SNIP: 0.140
JMERC
Owner
Janbazan Medical and Engineering Research Center (JMERC) is the owner of IJWPH.
Volume 18, Issue 1 (2026)
3 2026, 18(1): 1001-1014 |
Back to browse issues page
Request Type:
History
Received: 2026/05/4 | Accepted: 2026/01/29 | Published: 2026/01/29
Received: 2026/05/4 | Accepted: 2026/01/29 | Published: 2026/01/29
How to cite this article
Exploring the Dimensions and Components of Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Supply Chain Preparedness in Disasters: A Qualitative Study. 3 2026; 18 (1) :1001-1014
URL: http://ijwph.daneshafarand.org/article-3-85675-en.html
URL: http://ijwph.daneshafarand.org/article-3-85675-en.html
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Rights and permissions
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Authors
Abstract (130 Views)
Aims: This study aimed to identify and elucidate the dimensions of preparedness of the pharmaceutical and medical equipment supply chain in disaster settings within the military health system in Iran.
Methods: A qualitative study using conventional content analysis grounded in a constructivist paradigm was conducted. Purposive sampling with a maximum variation strategy was applied, and 18 senior managers involved in procurement, storage, and distribution processes participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed concurrently with collection using the five-step approach of Hsieh and Shannon, and findings were organized through framework synthesis.
Findings: A total of 739 initial codes were extracted and subsequently condensed into 6 main themes, 16 categories, and 45 subcategories. The identified dimensions included needs assessment, selection and stockpiling of pharmaceuticals and equipment, demand forecasting, logistics infrastructure and distribution, inter-sectoral and inter-organizational coordination, and human resource and technological support. Preparedness was found to be a multidimensional and dynamic construct influenced by structural alignment, intelligent forecasting, efficient logistics management, coordinated governance, and the integration of advanced technologies.
Conclusion: Strengthening supply chain preparedness in disasters requires a comprehensive approach encompassing workforce capacity building, data-driven forecasting systems, structural reform of logistics networks, and enhanced inter-organizational coordination. Weakness in any of these dimensions may result in significant disruptions in the availability of essential medical supplies during crises.
Methods: A qualitative study using conventional content analysis grounded in a constructivist paradigm was conducted. Purposive sampling with a maximum variation strategy was applied, and 18 senior managers involved in procurement, storage, and distribution processes participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed concurrently with collection using the five-step approach of Hsieh and Shannon, and findings were organized through framework synthesis.
Findings: A total of 739 initial codes were extracted and subsequently condensed into 6 main themes, 16 categories, and 45 subcategories. The identified dimensions included needs assessment, selection and stockpiling of pharmaceuticals and equipment, demand forecasting, logistics infrastructure and distribution, inter-sectoral and inter-organizational coordination, and human resource and technological support. Preparedness was found to be a multidimensional and dynamic construct influenced by structural alignment, intelligent forecasting, efficient logistics management, coordinated governance, and the integration of advanced technologies.
Conclusion: Strengthening supply chain preparedness in disasters requires a comprehensive approach encompassing workforce capacity building, data-driven forecasting systems, structural reform of logistics networks, and enhanced inter-organizational coordination. Weakness in any of these dimensions may result in significant disruptions in the availability of essential medical supplies during crises.