Operational management strategies employed by US pharmacies, July 2023
ASHP
12 Jul 2023
Drug shortages pose significant risks to healthcare, impacting patient safety and medical procedures. A survey by the ASHP revealed that 57% of respondents faced shortages of chemotherapy drugs, followed by corticosteroid and hormonal drugs (28%), oral liquids (22%), and crash cart drugs (18%). Operational strategies are being considered, including finding alternative sources, utilizing different preparation methods, and compounding. Addressing these shortages may necessitate healthcare providers to alter their purchasing practices, such as using different vial sizes and concentrations. This approach offers flexibility in medication administration and dosage adjustments, reducing the risk of treatment interruptions and patient harm leading to 91% of US pharmacies employing this strategy. Moreover, organizations may have shifted inventories of shortage drugs to centralized locations or patient care areas, enhancing oversight and monitoring.
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