The American Hospital Association (AHA) surveyed hospitals around the country to see the impact drug shortages were having on patient care. The results mirrored the results of the ASA drug shortage survey conducted in April 2011.
The AHA survey found that 99.5 percent of hospitals were affected by drug shortages. In addition, the survey found that 95 percent of hospitals experienced a drug shortage impacting surgery/anesthesia. The survey also found that drug shortages resulted in patient treatment being delayed, a patient receiving a less effective drug, and a patient receiving an adverse outcome.
ASA continues to work closely with AHA and other organizations to address the serious issue of drug shortages.
Click here to see more information on the ASA Drug Shortage Survey.