The Role of Information Technology in the Supply Chain Management of Personal Protective Equipment during Respiratory Epidemics in Iran

Background & Aims: Supply chain management (SCM) encompasses all activities related to planning, implementing, controlling, and monitoring the flow of materials from suppliers to final consumers, where information flow plays a pivotal role. During respiratory disease outbreaks, notably the COVID-۱۹ pandemic, disruption in the SCM of the personal protective equipment (PPE) led to the loss of numerous healthcare and caregiving personnel. Therefore, maintaining the continuity of PPE is critically essential to prevent disease transmission to healthcare personnel, and the shortage of these products threatens the objective of delivering the proper care to the right person at the right time. This study aimed to determine the role of information technology (IT) in the SCM of the PPE during respiratory epidemics in Iran. Materials and Methods: This research employed a descriptive-comparative design using a comparative study, interviews, and factor analysis. Initially, a comparative study was conducted through a literature review and interviews with experts. The results were compiled into a comparative matrix and used to develop a structured questionnaire. Ultimately, eight variables were included in the questionnaire, and ۳۶۵ participants provided their perspectives on the impact of these variables on IT in SCM. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version ۲۷) and AMOS (version ۲۴) via factor analysis. Results: IT, through eight key components—namely, "IT infrastructure," "up-to-date and standardized IT," "predictive model development," "integration with other information systems," "supply-demand information sharing in appropriate platform," "information flow," "supply chain vulnerability assessment," and "post-incident analysis and learning"—significantly influenced the SCM of the PPE during respiratory epidemics in Iran. Conclusion: Multiple challenges, including IT-related issues, caused significant disruptions to Iran's PPE SCM during recent respiratory epidemics. Given the substantial potential, including the governance approach, specialized human resources, and cultural attitudes toward the topic, eight primary variables were identified for IT management in the SCM of PPE during the respiratory epidemic in Iran. These variables are expected to be effectively utilized.

کلیدواژه ها:

Personal protective equipment (PPE) ، Respiratory epidemics ، Supply Chain (SC) ، Supply chain management (SCM)