Mitigating the Impact of Ongoing Drug Shortages: Best Practices and Updates for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Program Description

In 2023, active drug shortages reached their highest levels since 2015, impacting community pharmacies and health systems across the country. Drug shortages occur for many reasons and can have a dire impact on patient care. Pharmacy staff have a responsibility to partner with key stakeholders to manage drug inventory, assist in the drug shortage response, and provide solutions such as alternative therapies or restrictions to use. This article will provide key updates regarding ongoing drug shortages and give insight into strategies to improve communication and resources for proactive management of drug shortages to ensure continuity of care for patients.

Target audience: Pharmacy technicians

Type of activity: Knowledge
Release date: December 4, 2023
Expiration date: June 4, 2025

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Review current trends and challenges presented by drug shortages in health systems and community pharmacy settings
• Recognize the impact of drug shortages on treatment options, patient safety, and health care resources
• Outline tools and strategies for pharmacy staff to manage current drug shortages, ease the burden of future shortages, and minimize the impact to patients

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity numbers 0290-0000-23-433-H99-P and 0290-0000-23-434-H99-T. The activity is available for CE credit through June 4, 2025.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty

Jeannette Y. Wick, RPh, MBA, FASCP

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Rose Namissa-Buszka, PharmD, BCPS, CHCP; Krishani Rajapaksa; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green.

An anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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[email protected]
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