Navigating Drug Shortages: The Role of Pharmacy Technicians

Navigating Drug Shortages: The Role of Pharmacy Technicians

Faculty

James W. Love Jr., MHA, CPhT
Coordinator, Pharmacy Special Projects
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, New Jersey
 
Target audience: Pharmacy technicians
Type of activity: Knowledge
Release date: December 14, 2020
Expiration date: December 14, 2021
Estimated time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Activity Overview
Drug shortages occur when the supply is not sufficient to support the demand of a drug. The unavailability of a drug directly affects patients, but also impacts pharmacy operations. This activity examines the leading causes of interruption in manufacturing, distribution, storage, or use of medications that can contribute to a large-scale drug shortage. It is important for pharmacy technicians to understand supply chains and monitor day-to-day usage of pharmacy resources to ensure their workplace is prepared should a drug shortage occur. Different guideline recommendations and resources are provided for pharmacy technicians to consult to ensure delivery of the most optimal care to patients even in less than optimal circumstances.

Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:

• Discuss why drug shortages occur
• Review the impact of national drug shortages on patient care
• List resources for identifying and tracking drug shortages

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 number 0290-0000-20-349-H04-T. The activity is available for CE credit through December 14, 2021.


Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, read the article, 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.
 

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Disclosures

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Faculty
James W. Love Jr., MHA, CPhT

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Ann Marciano; Susan Pordon; and Brianna Winters

Pharmacy Times^® Editorial Staff—Davy James
An anonymous peer reviewer was part of the content validation and conflict resolution and 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.

For questions about this CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
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