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

Author

Listed:
  • William Machado Emiliano

    (School of Technology, University of Campinas, Limeira 13484332, São Paulo State, Brazil
    ALGORITMI Research Center, School of Engineering, University of Minho, 4804533 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • William Machado Emiliano & Thalyta Cristina Mansano Schlosser & Vitor Eduardo Molina Júnior & José Telhada & Yuri Alexandre Meyer, 2025. "Logistical Challenges in Home Health Care: A Comparative Analysis Between Portugal and Brazil," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:3:p:101-:d:1714296
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rasmussen, Matias Sevel & Justesen, Tor & Dohn, Anders & Larsen, Jesper, 2012. "The Home Care Crew Scheduling Problem: Preference-based visit clustering and temporal dependencies," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 219(3), pages 598-610.
    2. Dorota Mankowska & Frank Meisel & Christian Bierwirth, 2014. "The home health care routing and scheduling problem with interdependent services," Health Care Management Science, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 15-30, March.
    3. Amir M. Fathollahi-Fard & Abbas Ahmadi & Behrooz Karimi, 2021. "Multi-Objective Optimization of Home Healthcare with Working-Time Balancing and Care Continuity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-33, November.
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