Collaborative Roles of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians in Managing Drug Shortages: A Qualitative Study on Sourcing Alternatives, Inventory Control, and Patient Communication

Authors: Muteb A. Aldosari, Mansour Aotaibi, Abdullah N. Almusfir, Ahmed Al-Saeed, Falah M. Almutairi, Mamdouh S. Alotaibi, Fahad Alenizy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13752176

Short DOI: https://doi.org/gv936m

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Background: Drug shortages are a growing challenge in healthcare, significantly impacting patient care and medication management. Both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play essential roles in mitigating the effects of these shortages.

Objective: This study explores how pharmacists and pharmacy technicians collaborate in managing drug shortages in a tertiary hospital, focusing on their roles in sourcing alternatives, maintaining inventory, and communicating with patients and healthcare providers.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in a 150-bed tertiary hospital using semi-structured interviews with 10 pharmacists and 10 pharmacy technicians. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to decision-making, inventory management, and communication.

Results: Three main themes emerged: collaborative decision-making, where pharmacists and technicians shared responsibilities in managing shortages; inventory management and sourcing alternatives, with technicians overseeing stock levels and pharmacists validating alternatives; and communication, where both roles worked together to inform patients and healthcare providers of changes in medication availability.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the critical collaboration between pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in managing drug shortages. Their combined efforts ensure efficient medication management and minimize the impact on patient care. Enhancing this collaboration can further optimize responses to drug shortages in healthcare settings.

Keywords: Drug shortages, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, collaboration, inventory management, patient communication, healthcare

Paper Id: 231167

Published On: 2024-06-03

Published In: Volume 12, Issue 3, May-June 2024

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