96% of pharmacy techs report drug shortages, 50% of patients lack necessary medicine: survey.
A trip to the pharmacy has become a thrilling gamble for patients all across America as shelves are constantly running low on critical medications.
According to a survey conducted by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, nearly 96 percent of pharmacy technicians have reported shortages of essential drugs. These shortages include medications for chemotherapy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anesthetics, and popular diabetes and weight loss drugs like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy.
“Drug shortages are wreaking havoc in various areas of pharmacy practice, from retail to compounding and hospitals,” explained Anthony Longo, a doctor of pharmacy and director of pharmacy at Northwell Long Island Jewish Forest Hills in Queens, NY.
The current crisis underscores the urgent need for policy solutions to ensure a steady supply of essential medications.
Patients Desperately Seeking Medicine
The impact of drug shortages, especially for cancer medications, can be devastating for patients. When they are unable to obtain the necessary medicines, patients may have to settle for less effective alternative treatments. This can result in higher healthcare costs, longer hospital stays, and an increased risk of adverse reactions.
To address these shortage issues, 90 percent of surveyed technicians said they offer substitute drugs when available. However, despite these efforts, almost half of the time (45 percent), patients still leave the pharmacy without their needed medication.
When there is no equivalent drug available, nearly one-third of technicians resort to in-house compounding, while only 6 percent refer patients to external pharmacies. In-house compounding involves the preparation of customized medications within a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or pharmacy, rather than relying on commercially available drugs.
Some technicians have reported collaborating with other pharmacy teams to secure the necessary medications. “We hold weekly shortage calls as a system to address these issues,” stated one respondent. Another technician mentioned the importance of swift action to prevent disruptions in patient care. Some have even gone the extra mile by reaching out to drug representatives to locate medications for their patients.
“It’s no surprise that pharmacy technicians are actively working on solutions to alleviate drug shortages for their patients,” remarked PTCB CEO William Schimmel. “I’m impressed by their collaborative spirit, even beyond the confines of their own pharmacies.”
Shortages Already Impacting Patient Care
This survey of pharmacy technicians echoes the findings of a survey conducted by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) during the summer. According to Michael Ganio, a doctor of pharmacy and the senior director of pharmacy practice and quality at ASHP, drug shortages have severe consequences for patients and healthcare staff.
These shortages also place an additional burden on pharmacy technicians who are already facing staff shortages. “This is an unsustainable reality for the entire healthcare system,” added Ganio.
In July, the ASHP released the results of a survey on the current drug shortage crisis. The online survey, conducted from June 23 to July 14, received responses from 1,123 participants. The ASHP reported over 300 active shortages by the end of Q2 2023, which is the highest number in nearly a decade and close to the all-time high of 320 shortages.
In addition, nearly all respondents confirmed experiencing shortages in July.
Furthermore, 32 percent of respondents described the shortages as “critically impactful,” meaning that treatments or procedures had to be rationed, delayed, or canceled. Among this group, almost 60 percent identified chemotherapy drug shortages as the most detrimental.
‘Extreme’ Competition and Other Factors Contributing to Shortages
The ASHP recommends implementing policy solutions that target the main causes of generic drug shortages, including quality control issues, disruptions in the supply chain, and intense price competition.
Low profit margins for generic drugs play a significant role in these shortages. Fierce competition has reduced the profitability of certain generics, discouraging manufacturers from investing in their production. Some companies choose to allocate their capacity to more profitable drugs instead of addressing the issues with less profitable generics. As a result, certain drugs are no longer being manufactured.
“This issue requires swift action from Congress to address the underlying causes of shortages and ensure that patients have access to the medications they need,” emphasized ASHP Chief Executive Officer Paul W. Abramowitz.
What are the main consequences of drug shortages on patient care in hospitals?
Ces for patient care.
The ASHP survey found that 93 percent of hospitals in the United States have experienced drug shortages in the past six months. These shortages have led to delays in patient treatment, changes in medication regimens, and disruptions in clinical trials. Ganio emphasized that these shortages not only affect critical medications but also everyday drugs used in hospitals for routine patient care.
Furthermore, the survey revealed that hospitals are spending significant time and resources to manage these shortages. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are constantly monitoring inventory, contacting suppliers, and searching for alternative medications. This puts a strain on already overworked healthcare professionals and increases the risk of medication errors.
The causes of these drug shortages are complex and multifaceted. They can be attributed to manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, increased global demand, and even regulatory challenges. COVID-19 has also played a role by causing disruptions in the pharmaceutical supply chain and increasing demand for certain medications.
To address these shortages, the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare organizations, and policymakers must work together. Solutions may include improving supply chain transparency and communication, incentivizing manufacturers to produce essential medications, and implementing contingency plans for potential shortages. Additionally, investing in domestic manufacturing capabilities can reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and ensure a stable supply of critical drugs.
It is crucial that patients have access to the medications they need to manage their health conditions. The current drug shortages not only jeopardize patient care but also place an additional burden on healthcare providers. By implementing effective policy solutions, we can ensure a steady supply of essential medications and alleviate the stress and uncertainty faced by patients and pharmacy professionals.
In conclusion, the widespread shortages of critical medications in pharmacies across America are causing significant challenges for patients and healthcare providers. These shortages have far-reaching implications, from compromised patient care to increased healthcare costs. Collaborative efforts and policy solutions are needed to address the root causes of these shortages and ensure a consistent and reliable supply of essential medications. Only then can we truly prioritize patient well-being and provide the quality care they deserve.
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