ABSTRACT
Digital technologies have been playing a critical role when moving from a traditional and usually resource demanding (especially in terms of human resources) healthcare delivery model to a more digital and flexible model of care. Such a digital transition involves reshaping the flows of patients inside the healthcare setting – intangible flows – as well as the flows of goods required for healthcare delivery (such as equipment, medicines and clinical and non-clinical consumables) – tangible flows. With such a distinct nature, the usefulness and applicability of different technologies need to be explored in light of the specificities of these different flows. This chapter thus starts by laying the foundations for a clear understanding of patient and goods flows, then detailing how different digital technologies have been impacting or are expected to impact these flows. A special focus is provided to Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, big data, blockchain, cloud services and 3D printing, making it evident that a successful digital transformation of (both) healthcare logistics should rely on the adoption and integration of multiple technologies.
