Evaluation of the risk of shortages in ecuadorian public hospitals: a multidimensional approach

Abstract

This research aimed to identify and analyze the risk of shortages in public hospitals in Ecuador. Stockouts in such hospitals have been a persistent problem that has led patients to sometimes have to purchase medications on their own, putting an additional burden on them and their families. A variety of factors, including inefficiencies in contracting processes, lack of coordination between administrative and operational units, and logistical problems influence this problem. Methodologically, the research was based on a mixed approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative data to provide a comprehensive view of the problem. Through the aforementioned approach, the key factors that contribute to shortages were identified and the effectiveness of the proposed internal controls was evaluated. The sample of participants was limited to managers and administrators from ten public hospitals and the research was focused exclusively on public hospitals. The findings reveal that delays in contracting processes, logistical problems and the lack of effective internal controls are the main factors contributing to shortages in public hospitals in Ecuador.