Improving Safety by Evaluating the Impact of the Supply Chain and Drug Shortages on Health-Systems

Hosp Pharm. 2023 Apr;58(2):120-124. doi: 10.1177/00185787221126338. Epub 2022 Oct 11.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how fragile our healthcare supply chain is with product delays, drug shortages, and labor shortages being exacerbated in recent years. Objective: This article reviews current threats to the healthcare supply chain that impact patient safety and highlights potential solutions for the future. Method: A review of the literature was conducted, and important up-to-date resources associated with drug shortages and supply chain were analyzed to build foundational knowledge. Potential supply chain threats and solutions were then explored through further literature analyses. Conclusions: The information provided in this article helps to brief pharmacy leaders on current supply chain issues and solutions that can be integrated throughout the healthcare supply chain in the future.

Keywords: drug shortages; labor shortages; optimization; patient safety; product delays; supply chain.