Hospital Practices and Research

Abstract Background: Effective inventory management and control have been associated with numerous benefits for healthcare institutions, including improved organizational performance and enhanced competitive advantage.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the practices, impacts, and challenges of inventory management and control in two public hospitals in Ghana.
Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted in this study. Thirty participants—comprising procurement managers, officers, storekeepers, and other relevant administrative staff—were selected through purposive and convenience sampling. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic content analysis served as the primary analytical technique, complemented by interpretative phenomenological analysis to deepen the understanding of participants' lived experiences.
Results: Participants reported key inventory control practices such as First-In-First-Out (FIFO), Last-In-First-Out (LIFO), and First-Expiry-First-Out (FEFO). Positive outcomes identified included improved availability of medical supplies, reduced waste and cost, and enhanced patient safety. However, challenges included limited financial resources, delays in supplies, and instances of mismanagement or misuse of stock by healthcare staff.
Conclusion: The study recommends enhanced collaboration among healthcare stakeholders to address persistent inventory management challenges. It further encourages policymakers and hospital administrators to invest in inventory systems and staff capacity-building to strengthen overall healthcare delivery.