Evaluating the implementation of a hospital-internal digital supply chain system over 5 years using a logic model...

Hospital digital transformation, including the integration of digital technologies into hospital supply chain management is critical for improving operational efficiency, workflow standardisation, and data quality in healthcare settings. This study evaluates the implementation of an internal supply chain project aimed at digitalising material documentation and request processes via an intelligent central hub and mobile barcode scanners in a hospital network.

Employing a logic model framework, we conducted an embedded explanatory mixed-methods evaluation of a hospital digital transformation initiative over five years at Klinikum Region Hannover, Germany. Data sources included pre- and post-implementation user surveys (n = 310 and n = 148), anonymised system log data (2021-2025), and qualitative interviews with project leaders. The logic model mapped inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes to assess evidence related to the proposed pathways of implementation success.

The implementation of the digital system accompanied by organisational measures achieved a transition from paper-based to scanner-based digital workflows, with increasing adoption rates, measurable process satisfaction and efficiency gains. Positive correlations between high process throughput and scanner usage suggest that higher process volumes encourage adoption, providing evidence for the proposed logic model pathway to adoption. A significant positive association was observed between satisfaction with staff contributions to the project and overall process satisfaction, providing pathway-consistent evidence for the proposed logic model pathway to satisfaction. Technical and organisational inputs enabled process re-engineering and workflow standardisation as outputs and time savings as outcomes, providing pathway-consistent evidence for the proposed logic model pathway to efficiency. Implementation outcomes varied across ten hospital sites, reflecting heterogenous local implementation conditions.

These findings confirm that comprehensive digital transformation of hospital supply chains can enhance satisfaction, workflow standardisation and efficiency but requires ongoing user engagement, continuous competence development, supportive organisational cultures and removal of technical barriers. The logic model proved valuable in revealing implementation patterns, implementation gaps, and areas for targeted improvement. Future research should prioritise the validation of the logic model and particularly of the proposed pathways.