An exploratory investigation into how community pharmacists deal with drug shortages: interview study

Medicines shortages continue to be an issue for community pharmacists in the UK. There are factors such as the lack of authority and information as well as restrictive access to GPs, making it challenging for pharmacists to deal with medicines shortages. However, pharmacists can navigate this by being proactive and motivated in engaging with suppliers and local GPs and having a robust process in place to manage medicines shortages effectively. These findings can be implemented in practice to support pharmacists deal with medicines shortages in the UK and worldwide.