Impact of the Based Information System Model in the Supply of Medicines and Medical Devices at the Santo Tomas Hospital in Panama

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6239-779-8_12How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Information systems; Clinical management; Medicines supply; Medical devices; Patient safety

Abstract

Information systems play a critical role in strengthening hospital clinical management by improving coordination, efficiency, and decision-making in healthcare processes. This study analyzes the impact of an information system–based supply model on the management of medicines and medical devices in a tertiary public hospital in Panama. A mixed-methods research design was applied, combining a descriptive field study with documentary analysis. Quantitative data were collected through structured interviews using a Likert-scale questionnaire administered to department heads and coordinators involved in medicines and medical devices distribution, while qualitative data were obtained through participant observation. Data validity was supported by descriptive statistical analysis and source triangulation. The results indicate that the implementation of the proposed information system model improves supply chain performance by increasing efficiency, availability, and traceability of medicines and medical devices, while reducing operational costs and minimizing risks associated with stockouts and outdated inventories. Furthermore, the model contributes to enhanced clinical safety by supporting timely access to essential medical products and improving inventory control. These findings suggest that information system–based supply models represent a viable strategy for strengthening clinical management and patient safety in public hospitals, with strong potential for replication in other healthcare institutions facing similar supply challenges.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if you modified the licensed material. You do not have permission under this license to share adapted material derived from this chapter or parts of it.

Download article (PDF)

TY  - CONF
AU  - Serafina Martínez
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/06
TI  - Impact of the Based Information System Model in the Supply of Medicines and Medical Devices at the Santo Tomas Hospital in Panama
BT  - Proceedings of the International Congress on Competitiveness and Development of MSMEs 2026 (ICCD-MSMEs 2026)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 195
EP  - 210
SN  - 2352-5428
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6239-779-8_12
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6239-779-8_12
ID  - Martínez2026
ER  -