Reaping Benefits and Overcoming Challenges in Pneumatic Tube System Adoption for Hospital Logistics: Learnings from a Decade of Utilization

Abstract

This study investigates user perceptions and maintenance practices related to the decade-long utilization of pneumatic tube systems (PTSs) for internal transport logistics at a Moroccan university hospital center (UHC). A survey of 64 hospital staff reveals unanimous agreement regarding the system's benefits in improving sample transportation speed, security, reliability and quality. However, challenges persist around carrier availability, technology malfunctions and human errors highlighting the needs for better change management and upgrades. Regular preventative and corrective maintenance procedures have contained but not eliminated recurrent technical and ergonomic issues. By providing granular insights on satisfaction factors, persistent pain points, and maintenance limitations in a complex, multi-site installation, implications are offered to guide strategic investments and process improvements.