National survey of the impact of drug shortages in acute care hospitals

Purpose. The impact of drug shortages on patient care, the resources used to manage drug shortages, and the cost associated with drug shortages were studied. Methods. A national online survey was conducted to quantify the effects of drug shortages on patient care and pharmacy expenses. Directors of pharmacy in acute care institutions in the ASHP member database were asked to estimate the impact of drug shortages on acquisition costs, pharmacist and nonpharmacist staff time dedicated to specific functions related to drug shortages, and drug-compounding expenses. Results. Usable responses were received from 370 (24.7%) of 1496 pharmacy directors. Nearly all pharmacy directors surveyed believed that shortages had changed practice, and a majority felt that drug shortages had compromised patient care. Hospital pharmacy personnel devoted a significant amount of time to managing drug shortages. The results suggest that shortages increase the acquisition cost of pharmaceuticals in the United States by over $99 million annually. Conclusion. A national survey indicated that drug shortages are having a significant impact on patient care activities and finances in hospitals.