Wanted: Strong supply chains

Anyone who has worked in a pharmacy over the past few years knows that medication shortages have continued to become more of problem, with no apparent end sight. Because pharmaceutical supply chain is highly complex global enterprise, there are likely quick solutions this growing problem. This often leaves pharmacists and technicians feeling frustrated when trying order medications high demand short supply. So, what can pharmacies do be better prepared for future shortages? And, importantly, anything being done on national or level help mediate ongoing issue? In 2018, American Society Health-System Pharmacists published in-depth guidelines how prepare managing drug product shortages. These offer recommendations specific health systems’ plan will occur. Even though these were specifically systems audience, number transferrable pieces could used by most practice settings. One key identify create shortage team. The recommend an interdisciplinary team within care system, but other settings it would still beneficial designate several people oversee keeping track shortages, ordering products supply, communicating status rest importance communication occur also discussed—communication important both as well patients caregivers affected Talking impacted outpatient setting crucial ensuring they receiving need. Another potentially useful recommendation work area strategize best serve community during times issues. particularly helpful if allotments differ between pharmacies. Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School Public Health white paper November 2020 titled Pandemic Supply Chain: Addressing Gaps Pharmaceutical Production Distribution. highlights 6 problems authors believe must addressed including unexpected increases critical medications, disruption production interruption trade, inadequate planning management. addition discussing some actions had been taken White House administration, Congress, FDA, 7 policy alleviate include increasing capacity expanding mutual agreement U.S. Europe, having Congress incentivize domestic pharmaceuticals, government way monitor manage chain. good news current administration listened stakeholders about seriousness problem steps toward mitigating it. working task force increase onshore manufacturing active ingredients, improve transparency, ensure essential drugs available, collaborate allies partners strengthen Three simple your navigate shortages▪Designate 2 3 members responsible monitoring any changes team.▪Have protocol place listing should potential may necessary shortage.▪Develop understandable communicate patients. ▪Designate