Procedure for recording parameters involved in reverse logistics in a hospital pharmacy

Abstract

Health care establishments are extremely relevant both to the national economy and to the quality of life of the population. Given the high demand for resources linked to the health sector and the low levels of investment in it, it is a highly attractive area for studies of operational improvement, as there are reports of high levels of waste, leading to an increase in operating costs. This study carried out at a hospital in Western Paraná, Brazil, aims to identify what motivates the return of medications to the hospital pharmacy by systematizing a procedure to record the parameters of returns. Observations made at the hospital showed a standardized logistics process is in place, but not in all sectors. The main reason for returns at the two blocks under study was "At the doctor's discretion / If necessary". It is necessary to continuously measure and identify the reasons for returns to improve the internal logistics processes of the hospital.