Optimizing Inventory Control in Emergency Health Services: A Case-Based ABC–VED Matrix Application

Aysu Zekioğlu; Ömer Taşkın; Jebağı Canberk Aydın

doi:10.31067/acusaglik.1857400

Optimizing Inventory Control in Emergency Health Services: A Case-Based ABC–VED Matrix Application

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the inventory of medicines and disposable medical supplies in a Type A2 emergency health services station in Türkiye using ABC, VED, and ABC–VED matrix methods, and to propose strategies for optimizing stock control. Methods: The study was conducted in 2024 at an A2-type emergency station in Kırklareli province. Annual consumption and cost data for 131 items were extracted from automation records. Criticality classifications (Vital, Essential, Desirable) were determined through structured interviews with eight experienced professionals. The combined ABC–VED matrix was used to identify high-, medium-, and low-priority groups for inventory control. Results: ABC analysis showed that 12.21% of items (Category A) accounted for 69.32% of total expenditure. VED analysis revealed that vital items comprised 55.73% of stock and 57.18% of costs. The integrated ABC–VED matrix indicated that the high-priority group (AV, AE, BV) contained only 33 items but consumed 73.15% of total expenditures, underscoring their critical clinical and financial significance. Medium-priority items (71% of stock) had limited cost impact but high operational volume, while low-priority items, though few, represented 10.3% of costs. Conclusion: Emergency health services require inventory strategies tailored to their unique logistical and clinical demands. The ABC–VED model provides a dual framework for balancing cost efficiency with clinical necessity, ensuring uninterrupted availability of life-saving materials. Integrating matrix-based protocols into regional and national EMS logistics could enhance efficiency, readiness, and patient outcomes.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

Ethics Committee of Trakya University Faculty of Medicine (Approval No: 02/30, Date: January 20, 2025).

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Health Care Administration

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Aysu Zekioğlu ^*
0000-0002-4514-5073
Türkiye

Ömer Taşkın
0000-0002-7916-1856
Türkiye

Jebağı Canberk Aydın
0000-0003-4612-8176
Türkiye

Publication Date

April 16, 2026

Submission Date

January 6, 2026

Acceptance Date

February 8, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: April, May, June 2026

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31067/acusaglik.1857400

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA56BN78DB

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

EndNote

Zekioğlu A, Taşkın Ö, Aydın JC (April 1, 2026) Optimizing Inventory Control in Emergency Health Services: A Case-Based ABC–VED Matrix Application. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 17 April, May, June 2026