L’esternalizzazione della logistica sanitaria e ospedaliera. Una revisione della letteratura

Logistics appears as a fundamental process in modern institutions, including healthcare ones, which often have to coordinate multiple flows of materials and goods between different locations, often in urgency and dealing with critical material. In recent years, many healthcare organizations in Italy and abroad have begun to critically assess their supply chains to detect issues, leading to "make or buy" evaluations, meaning to keep the management of their supply chain internally or outsource these activities to specialized operators. Through a structured literature review, this article aims to deepen the outsourcing of logistics in healthcare institutions and hospitals, trying to understand the main reasons for outsourcing the service, the pros and cons, and the winning strategies following practical case studies. The detailed analysis of 19 international articles highlights numerous aspects, which may have a practical impact on health and hospital institutions. Although most of the reasons that push towards outsourcing solutions (buy) are based on potential savings, the main benefits end up in the organizational and managerial sphere, thanks to the involvement of specialized operators with specific know-how. Although outsourcing operations are not free from risks and problems, a collaborative approach between the healthcare institution and the contractor is a winning strategy if accompanied by a transition phase ìagreed upon by all the main stakeholders. By outsourcing the logistic service to professional operators, the health institution frees tangible and intangible resources to better dedicate itself to its primary function, namely patient care