Supply chain management for pharmacy services in the Northern Health Authority

The Northern Health Authority, a healthcare region located in northern British Columbia, executed a case study to analyze the current distribution relationship between G.R. Baker Hospital Pharmacy in Quesnel, B.C. and Prince George Regional Hospital Pharmacy. The purpose of the study was to examine the organizational structure, personnel relationships, and business processes that exist between the two facilities, in order to determine which processes in the current distribution network are working well, and to learn which areas require improvement. In order to complete the case study, a brief questionnaire was sent to G.R. Baker Hospital Pharmacy staff to glean further insight into the positive and negative factors of the service they currently receive. Further interviews were conducted with the Pharmacy Manager at G.R. Baker Hospital Pharmacy to determine satisfaction levels with the services provided. Finally, an observation of shipping practices was conducted to analyze the time and cost requirements for providing such service. The study resulted in the identification of several factors that are working well within the distribution relationship between G.R. Baker Hospital Pharmacy and Prince George Regional Hospital Pharmacy, particularly with respect to the provision of pre-packaged and convenience packaged products. The study also identified problem areas, primarily with respect to the limitations on the number of days per week for ordering, and the early cut-off times required by Prince George Regional Hospital Pharmacy. The primary recommendation resulting from this case study is to use this case as a building block for subsequent studies into the provision of drug distribution services and the establishment of distribution relationships with other regional facilities, leading to more efficient supply chain management and better utilization of limited resources.--P.ii-iii.