Operations management of pharmaceutical supply during preparedness and disaster response: A scoping review

Disasters pose a significant threat to the management of pharmaceutical supply operations. Standard operations management is susceptible to failure during disasters because of various challenges and strains, which can negatively impact the healthcare system. Herein, we identify and describe the components, strategies, and knowledge gaps in pharmaceutical supply operations management during disaster preparedness and response. Using relevant Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords, a literature search was performed in Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. Studies reporting activities related to managing pharmaceutical supply operations during preparedness and disaster response were included in this review. A total of 2485 records were identified. After removing duplicates, 1120 articles were screened, and 34 studies met the eligibility criteria. Eleven operations management components of pharmaceutical supply (needs assessment, selection, forecasting demand, logistics assessment, procurement, donation, compounding, storage, supply and distribution, monitoring and surveillance, and supply and demand management) and four management support components (human resources, use of technology, committee, and communication) were identified. For each component, various disaster preparedness and response strategies were identified. This study provides a comprehensive overview of pharmaceutical supply operations management during disaster preparedness and response. Efficient management of pharmaceutical supply operations involves a complex interplay of various interconnected components. Each component presents numerous challenges, necessitating proactive management, exchange of information and resources, and effective coordination among diverse stakeholders. Future research should examine pharmaceutical supply operations management beyond the specific context of COVID-19, leveraging information technology, enhancing collaborative logistics networks, and sharing resources among multiple stakeholders. •A scoping review on operations management of pharmaceutical supply during preparedness and disaster response is conducted.•The components and strategies are identified.•A framework for pharmaceutical supply operations management is proposed.