Obstetric Emergency Supply Chain Dynamics and Information Flow Among Obstetric Emergency Supply Chain Employees: Key Informant Interview Study (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.59690
• Publication Date: 2024-04-29T15:05:26Z
• Authors: Kylie Dougherty; Abebe Gebremariam; Heran Biza; Mulusew Belew; Natalie Benda; Yihenew Tesfaye; John Cranmer; Suzanne Bakken
• Keywords: Preprint; Information flow

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> For the past several decades, Ethiopian Ministry of Health has worked to decrease maternal mortality ratio (MMR)—the number pregnant women dying per 100,000 live births. However, with most recently reported MMR 267, Ethiopia still ranks high in globally and needs additional interventions lower achieve sustainable development goal 70. One factor contributing current is frequent stockouts critical medications supplies needed treat obstetric emergencies. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> This study describes emergency supply chain (OESC) dynamics information flow Amhara, Ethiopia, as a crucial first step closing gaps availability. <title>METHODS</title> Applying qualitative descriptive methodology, research team performed 17 semistructured interviews employees OESC at federal, regional, facility level describe gain an understanding system region, communication flow, barriers facilitators consistent The inductive deductive analysis used “Sociotechnical Model for Studying Information Technology Complex Adaptive Healthcare Systems” guide portion. <title>RESULTS</title> identified locations within where could be addressed improve overall facility-level readiness, such about availability health care facilities regional hubs lack data transparency level. Ordering through integrated pharmaceutical logistics was well-established process frequently noted strength. Furthermore, having inventory one place benefit pharmacists managers who would need use determine their historic consumption. greatest concern related workflow inability accurately forecast future needs. issue because inaccurate forecasting can lead undersupplying or oversupplying waste medication due expiration. <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> As result these interviews, we gained nuanced various levels maintain resources ultimately increase survival. study’s findings will inform work create customized strategies that region overall, specifically electronic dashboards levels. Without comprehensive timely OESC, continue remain dark true readiness manage basic emergencies, central Pharmaceutical Supply Service not have necessary provide essential prospectively before deaths occur.