Using a two-step approach of risk matrix and DEMATEL to identify and analyze the most important risks in the blood supply chain (Blood Supply Chain of Tehran)

Supply chain risk management is very important for effective supply chain management. In the meantime, the healthcare supply chain and its risks need more attention given its important mission. Concerning the sensitivity of blood and its supply chain, the purpose of this study is to investigate the risks of the blood supply chain and their relations in Tehran.

In this descriptive-analytical study, the risks of blood supply chain were selected by reviewing the articles and expert opinions through interviews and questionnaires. The most important ones were identified using risk matrix and expert opinions, and their relationships were discussed using DEMATEL method.

The 19 most important risks were identified. Also, according to the Demetel method, it was shown that in terms of the importance of risks (D + R), selection of inappropriate suppliers (2.25), lack of appropriate budget allocation (2.23), low employee productivity (2.16) and inadequate blood inventory (2.01) were identified as the most important risks. In terms of mutual influences (D-R), economic and political sanctions (1.68) were selected as the most influencing and inadequate response to hospital demand (-0.89) as the most influenced risk.

After identifying the risks that are both significant and most influencing, such as the risks of lack of appropriate budget allocation, sanctions, exchange rate fluctuations, and catastrophes, in order to improve supply chain performance and prevent future problems, the factors that cause these risks need to be focused. And for controlling them, appropriate strategies, especially management strategies should be adopted.