Survey Finds 90% of PCPs Affected by Drug Shortages

AMA researchers found that drug shortages “affect nearly 90% of primary care physicians, leading to treatment delays or the need for an alternative drug.”

Drug shortages are at their “highest level in a decade” and are driven by “numerous factors such as supply chain disruptions, few manufacturers, regulatory hurdles, natural disasters, and demand surges.” Jennie Jarrett, who is the AMA’s director for science and drug policy, banded with colleagues to conduct a “cross-sectional, web-based survey among primary case physicians affected by medication shortages.” 902 people were involved in the study, working primarily in “family medicine practices (42%), outpatient-only settings (75%), urban locations (78%) and private practices (71%).”

A “small but significant majority” of physician respondents (2%) reported a “patient death may have happened because the patient couldn’t access their medication.” Among specific drug categories, “endocrinology (54%), stimulants (52%), infectious disease (26%), pulmonology (17%), and pain management (14%) suffered the greatest impact of shortages.”

87% of physicians reported that drug shortages “led to changes in the quality of care. The most common practice change was switching to an alternative, less preferred medication (92%) followed by postponing treatment (63%).” Drug shortages also led to more prior authorization requests, overtime work, and higher levels of burnout. To manage the increased workload, practices had to extend hours or hire additional staff.” Physicians also “most often learned about drug shortages from patients or community pharmacists instead of proactive, formal channels. This contributed to widespread frustration, workplace stress, and delays in care.”