The survey collected nearly 200 responses from directors of pharmacy. Nearly 40 percent reported patient complaints over the shortage or a switch to another medication because of the shortage.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
In addition, the safety risks because of drug shortages appeared to be significant. Approximately 40 percent of respondents reported between 1 and 5 adverse events and the majority of respondents reported between 1 and 10 medication errors associated with a drug shortage. Errors included medication omission, incorrect dosages dispensed or administered and incorrect drugs dispensed or administered. As a result, respondents reported dispensing alternate drugs, delaying therapy and increasing patient monitoring.
In addition, the majority of respondents estimated drug shortages cost somewhat less than $100,000 per quarter per institution, though costs associated with shortages have increased in recent years. Approximately 25 percent of respondents said their institutions had brought on a full-time employee to manage drug shortages.
More Articles on Quality:
Readmissions Roundup: 10 Stories to Know
