Read the following articles: Mayer, D. K. (2012). Anatomy of a drug shortage. Cl
ID: 89626 • Letter: R
Question
Read the following articles:
Mayer, D. K. (2012). Anatomy of a drug shortage. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 16(2), 107-108.
McKeever, A. E., Bloch, J. R., & Bratic, A. (2013). Drug shortages and the burden of access to care: A critical issue affecting patients with cancer. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 17(5), 490-495. doi:10.1188/13.CJON.490-495
Scenario:
In the middle of a patient’s course of chemotherapy, the medication is no longer available due to manufacturing issues. The chemotherapy was prescribed for this patient using scientific evidence and patient outcomes.
Initial Discussion Post:
How does the shortage of chemotherapy drugs impact the quality and safety of patient care?
Are work arounds such as substitute medications a safe alternative? Why or why not?
Identify an intervention that you can implement as the RN to advocate for safe patient care and positive patient outcomes when drug shortages occur.
Base your initial post on your readings and research of this topic. Your initial post must contain a minimum of 250 words. References, citations, and repeating the question do not count towards the 250 word minimum.
Explanation / Answer
Patients with cancer who are undergoing treatment cannot be switched to another chemotherapy agent without repercussions. Chabner (2011) cited that the risk of medication error increased with the use of substitutions in alternative treatment regimens. When healthcare providers are forced to select alternative chemotherapeutic agents because of unforeseen shortages and choose alternative protocols based on availability rather than evidence, patient safety and care are compromised. For example a womannamely, L.M., after three treatments with the alternative regimen, L.M.’s CA-125 level increased and a computed tomography scan of her abdomen and pelvis demonstrated disease progression. L.M.’s story exemplifies a common finding in the care of patients with gynecologic malignancies, supporting the evidence that drug shortages have a significant negative impact on patient care and disease outcomes.
FDA must work closely with the company for swift resolutions to prevent patient harm. Nurses are responsible for identifying gaps in care and assisting to resolve them.
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