Using prescription medication utilization trends to evaluate health system resilience and inform future emergency preparedness

The rebound in retail pharmacy prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the role of telehealth and mail-order services in mitigating care disruptions. However, the persistent declines in physician-administered therapies reveal structural vulnerabilities, particularly for populations requiring complex or injectable treatments. Policymakers should build on strengths such as telehealth expansion and existing successful overprescribing management programs for opioids and antibiotics and should also address gaps in access to safe in-person care, particularly for vulnerable populations. Emergency preparedness measures should also prioritize promoting mental health support to ensure comprehensive resilience in future public health crises. By incorporating prescription utilization surveillance into routine health system monitoring, stakeholders can respond proactively to emerging challenges and promote more equitable access to essential therapies during public health emergencies.