Obstetric Emergency Supply Chain Dynamics and Information Flow Among Obstetric Emergency Supply Chain Employees: Key...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Systems Strengthening
• Supply Chain Management

Background:

• Ethiopia faces a high maternal mortality ratio (MMR), with frequent stockouts of critical medications contributing to this challenge.
• Despite efforts, the MMR remains high, necessitating additional interventions to meet sustainable development goals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the dynamics and information flow within the obstetric emergency supply chain (OESC) in Amhara, Ethiopia.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to consistent supply availability for obstetric emergencies.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive methodology utilizing 17 semi-structured interviews with OESC personnel at federal, regional, and facility levels.
• Inductive and deductive analysis guided by the Sociotechnical Model for Studying Health Information Technology in Complex Adaptive Healthcare Systems.

Main Results:

• Identified communication gaps and lack of data transparency as key barriers within the OESC.
• The integrated pharmaceutical logistics system for ordering supplies was noted as a strength, with centralized inventory data aiding pharmacists.
• Inaccurate forecasting of future supply needs emerged as a critical concern, leading to potential stockouts or waste.

Conclusions:

• Understanding OESC information needs is vital for ensuring consistent obstetric emergency resource supply and improving maternal survival.
• Findings will inform strategies, including electronic dashboards, to enhance data availability and supply chain management.
• Improved data transparency is essential for facilities to manage emergencies and for central services to prevent stockouts and maternal deaths.