Impact of Supply Chain Management Practices on Surgical Outcomes at Mpilo Central Hospital

Authors

  • Godfrey Rukwava Neurosurgery Registrar, Department of Neurosurgery, Mpilo Central Hospital, Zimbabwe. Author
  • Garikai Mwale Consultant and head of Department Neurosurgery, Mpilo Central Hospital, Zimbabwe Author
  • Kazadi Kalangu Professor and Head of Department of Neurosurgery, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47363/JCCEM/2026(5)187

Keywords:

Supply Chain Management, Surgical Outcomes, Inventory Management, Procurement Efficiency, Logistics

Abstract

Background: Efficient Supply Chain Management (SCM) is critical for ensuring timely and safe surgical care, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This study investigated the impact of SCM practices, including inventory management, procurement efficiency, demand planning, and logistics and distribution, on surgical outcomes at Mpilo Central Hospital, Zimbabwe.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 83 healthcare professionals, including surgeons, nurses, anesthetists, and inventory managers, achieving a 92% response rate. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to examine relationships between SCM practices and surgical outcomes. Reliability of the survey instrument was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.705.

Results: Respondents reported significant challenges in SCM: 91% indicated that surgical delays were due to missing supplies, and 95% reported surgery cancellations resulting from supply shortages. Poor inventory management, procurement inefficiencies, inadequate demand planning, and ineffective logistics were all negatively associated with surgical outcomes. Chi-square analyses revealed significant associations between demographic variables (age, length of employment, and department) and perceptions of SCM impact. PLS-SEM confirmed that inventory management (β = -0.175, p = 0.0195), procurement efficiency (β = -0.192, p = 0.015), and logistics and distribution (β = -0.121, p = 0.04) significantly influenced surgical outcomes, whereas demand planning was not statistically significant (β = -0.00674, p = 0.959).

Conclusion: Deficiencies in SCM practices at Mpilo Central Hospital negatively impact surgical outcomes, contributing to delays, cancellations, and compromised patient care. Strengthening inventory control, procurement processes, and logistics systems, alongside targeted training and resource allocation, is essential to enhance surgical efficiency and patient outcomes in similar low-resource settings.

Author Biographies

  • Godfrey Rukwava, Neurosurgery Registrar, Department of Neurosurgery, Mpilo Central Hospital, Zimbabwe.

    Godfrey Rukwava, Neurosurgery Registrar, Department of Neurosurgery, Mpilo Central Hospital, Zimbabwe.

  • Garikai Mwale, Consultant and head of Department Neurosurgery, Mpilo Central Hospital, Zimbabwe

    Garikai Mwale, Consultant and head of Department Neurosurgery, Mpilo Central Hospital, Zimbabwe.

  • Kazadi Kalangu, Professor and Head of Department of Neurosurgery, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe

    Kazadi Kalangu, Professor and Head of Department of Neurosurgery, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.

Downloads

Published

2026-02-03

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026): Volume 5 Issue 2

Section

Articles