WASHINGTON, July 26, 2024 — A staggering 88% of primary care physicians in the U.S. have faced drug shortages in the last six months, and the ripple effects are hitting both patient care and physician workloads, according to newly published research. The frustrating reality is that finding alternatives isn’t just a logistical headache—it’s actively impacting the quality of treatment people receive.
Drug Shortages Worsen Burden on Doctors, Compromise Patient Care
New data reveals the widespread impact of medication scarcity on the U.S. healthcare system.
- Nearly 9 in 10 primary care physicians (88%) reported experiencing drug shortages in the past half-year.
- A substantial 87% of those physicians believe these shortages negatively affect the quality of care they can provide.
- Endocrinologic drugs, stimulants, and infectious disease treatments are experiencing the most severe shortage-related outcomes.
The research, a cross-sectional survey of 902 U.S. primary care physicians conducted between July and August 2024, paints a clear picture: drug shortages are not a looming threat—they are a present crisis. The most pressing concern is that 87% of physicians surveyed said drug shortages negatively affected care quality.
What happens when a prescribed medication isn’t available? According to the study, 92% of physicians responding to the negative impact on care quality reported altering the drug of choice, while 63% said they postponed prescribing altogether.
Certain Drug Classes Hit Hardest
The shortages aren’t evenly distributed. The survey identified specific drug categories linked to the most severe outcomes. Endocrinologic drugs were cited in 54% of cases, stimulants in 52%, and infectious disease treatments in 26%. These findings suggest that patients with conditions requiring these medications are particularly vulnerable to disruptions in care.
Beyond the clinical implications, drug shortages are creating a significant administrative burden for physicians and their staff. A full 73% of respondents reported an increase in prior authorization paperwork as they navigate substitute medications.
“New care plan formulations caused by drug shortages are challenging for physicians, with multiple factors considered to ensure appropriate care alternatives and an increased staff workload with limited reimbursement,” researchers said. “Drug shortages result in more prior authorization requests because alternate medications may differ from the standard of care or may not have included a patient’s formulary. This workplace stress caused most participants to feel frustrated by drug shortages.”
Quick fact: Prior authorizations require doctors to obtain approval from insurance companies before prescribing certain medications, adding significant time and effort to their workflow.
The study underscores the urgent need for solutions to address the root causes of drug shortages and mitigate their impact on both patients and healthcare providers. Without intervention, these challenges are likely to persist, further straining an already burdened system.
