Identifying and prioritizing drivers affecting the future of the healthcare supply chain with a focus on fourth-generation technologies

Abstract

The present study aims to identify and prioritize the drivers affecting the future of the health supply chain, focusing on fourth-generation technologies. The present study is applied in terms of orientation and is a survey study in terms of data collection. The theoretical population of the study is experts with expertise in the fields of health supply chain and fourth-generation technologies. Sampling in this study was conducted in a judgmental manner and based on the expertise of the experts. Screening questionnaires and prioritization were the most important data collection tools in this study. Initially, 25 drivers were extracted through literature review and interviews with experts. These drivers were screened using the fuzzy Delphi method. Nine drivers had a defuzzied number higher than 0.7 and were selected for final prioritization. The screened drivers were evaluated using the Marcos method. The priority drivers were: developing intelligent decision-support systems for logistics management and medical supplies, applying artificial intelligence to predict drug demand and optimize the medical equipment supply process, using big data technology to analyze drug consumption patterns and predict health crises, using smart contracts to facilitate the supply, purchase, and payment processes in the health industry, and detecting fraud in distributed drugs through blockchain technology and recording product authenticity information. Using artificial intelligence and big data in the health supply chain can improve system efficiency by predicting drug needs, optimizing logistics processes, and managing potential crises. Also, smart contracts and blockchain technology play an important role in reducing fraud and optimizing supply processes by increasing transparency, facilitating financial transactions, and verifying the authenticity of drugs. These technologies will help make faster decisions, reduce costs, and improve access to medical equipment.