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Time spent by Belgian hospital pharmacists on supply disruptions and drug shortages: An exploratory study

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  • Elfi De Weerdt
  • Thomas De Rijdt
  • Steven Simoens
  • Minne Casteels
  • Isabelle Huys

Abstract

Introduction: Supply problems of drugs are an increasing and worldwide problem, also in Belgium. Hospital pharmacists try to manage drug supply problems to minimize the impact on patient care. This study aims to quantify in a detailed manner how much time employees of 17 Belgian hospital pharmacies spend on drug supply problems. Methods: During six months, employees of Belgian hospital pharmacies filled in the daily time spent on drug supply problems using a template containing all steps which can be executed to manage drug supply problems. Additionally, Belgian hospital pharmacists were asked to report the drugs which experienced drug supply problems together with the solution for this problem. Results: Hospital pharmacists spent a median of 109 minutes a week on drug supply problems, with a minimum of 40 minutes per week and a maximum of 216 minutes per week. Fifty-nine percent of the total time spent on drug supply problems was executed by hospital pharmacists, 27% by pharmacy technicians; the rest was performed by logistic or administrative personnel. About one third of the total time spent was invested in gathering information on the supply problem. About two third of the supply disruptions caused drug shortages, meaning there was a need to switch to another (generic) therapeutic alternative. For most drug shortages, a Belgian generic medicine could be found. However in some cases, the alternative had to be ordered abroad or for some drug shortages, no alternative was available. Conclusion: These exploratory results on time spent by hospital pharmacists on drug supply problems in Belgium highlight the economic impact of drug supply problems for hospital pharmacies. A fully reliable, daily updated list on the federal agencies websites would be a major help to hospital pharmacists.

Suggested Citation

  • Elfi De Weerdt & Thomas De Rijdt & Steven Simoens & Minne Casteels & Isabelle Huys, 2017. "Time spent by Belgian hospital pharmacists on supply disruptions and drug shortages: An exploratory study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(3), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0174556
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174556
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kim Pauwels & Steven Simoens & Minne Casteels & Isabelle Huys, 2015. "Insights into European Drug Shortages: A Survey of Hospital Pharmacists," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(3), pages 1-13, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Vogler, Sabine & Fischer, Stefan, 2020. "How to address medicines shortages: Findings from a cross-sectional study of 24 countries," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 124(12), pages 1287-1296.
    2. Said, André & Goebel, Ralf & Ganso, Matthias & Zagermann-Muncke, Petra & Schulz, Martin, 2018. "Drug shortages may compromise patient safety: Results of a survey of the reference pharmacies of the Drug Commission of German Pharmacists," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 122(12), pages 1302-1309.
    3. Vogler, Sabine, 2024. "Tackling medicine shortages during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: Compilation of governmental policy measures and developments in 38 countries," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).

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