Canadian Researchers Publish a Collection of Cases to Bolster Canada’s Preparedness for Future Pandemics and Public Health Emergencies

Windsor, Ontario (March 31, 2023) – As part of a COVID-19 rapid research response program, a group of Canadian researchers have developed 16 publications over the past three years that examined the effectiveness of federal-provincial-territorial supply chain coordination during the pandemic. This collection of work will inform policy recommendations and supply chain strategies to prepare health systems during public health emergencies and ensure Canadians can access safe, timely and quality care when and where it is needed. 

“In disrupting healthcare supply chains, the pandemic exposed the crucial role of the health system's capacity to deliver health services to Canadians. It is imperative we continue to strengthen a coordinated, evidence-informed strategy across provinces and territories that is proactive and capable of protecting the health of every citizen,” said Dr. Anne Snowdon, Scientific Director and CEO, SCAN Health and Chief of Scientific Research, HIMSS. 

This research will provide policy recommendations on the role of federal government to support provincial health systems to ensure effective supply chain management processes that will meet the needs of health services teams, strengthen population health outcomes, and advance economic recovery. The topics offer a unique perspective that blends industry expertise, practical experience, and academic research to provide actionable insights and strategies for healthcare supply chain management. 

Our 16 publications of findings are published in full open access:

1. “Flying Blind”: Canada’s Supply Chain Infrastructure and the COVID-19 Pandemic

2. Key Characteristics of a Fragile Healthcare Supply Chain: Learning from a Pandemic

3. An Evidence-Based Strategy to Scale Vaccination in Canada

4. COVID-19, Workforce Autonomy, and the Health Supply Chain

5. Supply Chain Capacity to Respond to COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador: An Integrated Leadership Strategy

6. Supply Chain Integration as a Strategy to Strengthen Pandemic Responsiveness in Nova Scotia

7. Facing Disruption: Learning from the Healthcare Supply Chain Responses in British Columbia During the COVID-19 Pandemic 

8. Manitoba 2020: How Centralizing the Healthcare Supply Chain Helped with Pandemic Management

9. The Emerging Features of Healthcare Supply Chain Resilience: Learning from a Pandemic 

10. Digitally Enabled Supply Chain as A Strategic Asset for the COVID-19 Response in Alberta

11. Supply Chain Capacity to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ontario: Challenges Faced by a Health System in Transition

12. The Management of Personal Protective Equipment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the Province of Quebec

13. Advancing Supply-Chain Resilience for Canadian Health Systems

14. Learning Models for Forecasting Hospital Resource Utilization for COVID-19 Patients in Canada

15. Le Niveau de Maturité Digitale de la Chaîne Logistique Interne des Établissements de Santé de la Province de Québec : Une Étude Exploratoire

16. Gestion des Équipements de Protection Individuelle en Pandémie : Des Leçons du Secteur Canadien de la Santé

Dr. Snowdon led a team of 18 researchers from across Canada in this study that was supported in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). She is now building on this body of research and leading a community of practice for health supply chain resilience with over 40 partners and funding in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). SCAN Health’s content is designed to inform and educate healthcare professionals, administrators, and policymakers about the latest trends, best practices, and innovative solutions in the field.