Drug Shortages and the Role of the Pharmacy Technician: A Review

Abstract

Objective: To increase pharmacy technicians' awareness of national drug shortages, enabling them to understand why drug shortages occur and how they can help ameliorate the effects that a drug shortage may have in their workplace. Data Sources: Articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE and PubMed (1950 through July, 2011) using the following search terms: drug shortages, drug shortages and legislation, drug shortages and law, and drug shortages and safety. Additionally, resources on drug shortages from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the FDA, and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices were used. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Articles describing drug shortages, drug shortages and legislation, and managing drug shortages in the health care setting were included. Data Synthesis: The effects of drug shortages on pharmacy departments and the health care system as a whole can place significant strain on pharmacists. Pharmacy technicians can play a key role in the initial management of a drug shortage by being responsible for such tasks as validating shortage details and duration with manufacturers, determining the institution's current stock and history of use of a medication, and remaining up-to-date on current drug shortages to help keep patients and other health care professionals informed. Conclusions: Pharmacy technicians are a valuable resource for pharmacists in the management of drug shortages and can work with pharmacists to perform operational and assessment tasks after a drug shortage has been identified.