Effect of Logistics Management Practices on Medical Diagnostic Efficiency in Public Hospital Facilities in Ghana

Purpose: This research study examined the effect of the logistics management practices on the efficiency of healthcare diagnosis at public hospital facilities in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study utilised a descriptive correlational research design, collecting quantitative primary data purposively from 463 health personnel in public hospital facilities through a self-administered research questionnaire. Findings: The research findings established that logistics management practices such as information management, distribution management and procurement management had a direct positive impact on the efficiency of medical diagnosis, accounting for 53.2% of variations in the medical diagnosis chain. Research Limitation: The study targeted medical doctors, physician assistants, nurses, laboratory technicians, records officers, and store personnel at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of all public hospital facilities in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Practical Implications: This research study supports the idea that logistics is a crucial resource for improving service delivery and sustainability in public hospitals. Management of these health facilities should prioritise logistics activities by investing adequately and monitoring efficiently, which can significantly improve medical service delivery. Social Implication: The findings of this research study highlight the substantial correlation between logistics management and medical diagnosis, ensuring the well being of visiting patients from a logistics perspective. Originality/Value: While most studies on medical diagnosis have emphasised physician errors as the primary cause, this study has found that a significant percentage of inefficiencies in the medical diagnostic process are logistics-related.