Operations management and value chain integration in healthcare service delivery: evidence from Specialist Hospital Gombe, Nigeria

Abstract

Operations management and value chain analysis are now seen as important strategies for better service delivery and improved performance in healthcare organizations. This study looks at how operations management and value chain practices affect the performance of Specialist Hospital Gombe in Nigeria. A quantitative, cross-sectional approach was used, and the main data came from a structured questionnaire given to management, clinical, and administrative staff at the hospital. Using Slovin's formula on a group of 275 employees, the smallest number of people needed was 163.To account for people who might not respond, this number was increased to 204.In the end, 182 responses were received, which is an 89.1% response rate. To test four hypotheses, simple linear regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation were used, with the help of SPSS software, version 27. The results show that improving processes, managing the supply chain better, focusing on service quality, and integrating the value chain all have a strong, positive effect on patient care, how well the hospital runs, cutting costs, and how productive the staff are. All of these effects are statistically significant (p < 0.05). The study provides real-world evidence that supports Porter's Value Chain Theory and the Systems Theory of Management when applied in a Nigerian public specialist hospital setting. The study suggests that hospital leaders should focus on improving their processes, using lean techniques in healthcare, building strong relationships with suppliers, and creating a unified system that adds value across all parts of the healthcare delivery chain to keep their services better over time.