Logistical Challenges in Home Health Care: A Comparative Analysis Between Portugal and Brazil

William Machado Emiliano (), Thalyta Cristina Mansano Schlosser, Vitor Eduardo Molina Júnior, José Telhada and Yuri Alexandre Meyer ()
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William Machado Emiliano: School of Technology, University of Campinas, Limeira 13484332, São Paulo State, Brazil
Thalyta Cristina Mansano Schlosser: School of Nursing, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083887, São Paulo State, Brazil
Vitor Eduardo Molina Júnior: School of Technology, University of Campinas, Limeira 13484332, São Paulo State, Brazil
José Telhada: ALGORITMI Research Center, School of Engineering, University of Minho, 4804533 Guimarães, Portugal
Yuri Alexandre Meyer: School of Technology, University of Campinas, Limeira 13484332, São Paulo State, Brazil

Logistics, 2025, vol. 9, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: Background : This study aims to compare the logistical challenges of Home Health Care (HHC) services in Portugal and Brazil, highlighting the structural and operational differences between both systems. Methods : Guided by an abductive research approach, data were collected using a semi-structured survey with open-ended questions, applied to 13 HHC teams in Portugal and 18 in Brazil, selected based on national coordination recommendations. The data collection process was conducted in person, and responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Results : The results reveal that Portugal demonstrates higher productivity, stronger territorial coverage, and a more integrated inventory management system, while Brazil presents greater multidisciplinary team integration, more flexible fleet logistics, and more advanced digital health records. Despite these strengths, both countries continue to address key logistical aspects, such as scheduling, supply distribution, and data management, largely through empirical strategies. Conclusions : This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of international HHC logistics by emphasizing strategic and systemic aspects often overlooked in operational studies. In practical terms, it offers insights for public health managers to improve resource allocation, fleet coordination, and digital integration in aging societies.

Keywords: home health care; logistical challenges; comparative analysis; semi-structured interviews; Brazil; Portugal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:3:p:101-:d:1714296

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