Mitigating personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain disruptions in pandemics – a system dynamics approach

Purpose The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has emerged as an unprecedented health crisis worldwide and heavily disrupted the healthcare supply chain. This study focuses on analysing different types of disruptions occurring in personal protective equipment (PPE) chains during COVID-19 proposing mitigation strategies that are fit to global scale many interdependencies characteristic for this pandemic. authors construct a conceptual system dynamics model (SD) based literature adjusted with use empirical data (interviews) capture complexity chain identify leverage points (mitigation strategies). Design/methodology/approach research follows mix-methods approach. First, developed framework four usually occur emergencies (direct effect, policy, strategy, behaviourally induced disruptions). Second, collected analysed from interviews experts PPE Based data, allows complex dynamic interplay between elements system, by highlighting key feedback loops, delays, way can impact them. From analysis, propositions risk management (SCRM) recommendations policy decision makers. Findings SD highlights without combination measures, it is impossible overcome all disruptions. As such, co-ordinated effort across countries sectors experience needed. also shows there important which initial create delays shortages propagate through network. If measures not implemented early at onset pandemic, these will be persistent, creating potential other critical – when they most urgently Originality/value enriches understanding systems level proposes existing literature.