Identification and Analysis of Financial Loss Risk Factors in the Drug Management Cycle and its Strategies in Healthcare Facilities: A Literature Review

Abstract

Effective and efficient drug management is a fundamental pillar in the healthcare system. However, inefficiencies often lead to significant financial losses due to expired drugs and dead stock, which also pose risks to patient safety. This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the factors contributing to expired drug stock in healthcare facilities, particularly hospitals, to formulate targeted improvement strategies. This research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive literature review method. Data were sourced from 11 scientific articles published between 2021 and 2025, selected from Google Scholar based on inclusion criteria. The review reveals that the primary causes of expired drugs and dead stock are consistent across various hospitals, with the most common factors being inaccurate planning, changes in physicians' prescribing patterns, and inefficient storage supervision that fails to properly implement FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expired, First Out) principles. Other significant factors include post-pandemic demand shifts, donated drugs not matching facility needs, and mandatory stock for rare cases. Key recommended strategies focus on enhancing coordination between pharmacists and doctors, implementing improved planning methods, and optimizing inventory control through regular stocktakes and monitoring of slow-moving drugs.