The best practices were developed by 11 groups representing the industry, healthcare professionals and the government. Medicine supply problems can occur for various reasons, according to the document, including difficulties in obtaining raw materials, manufacturing problems, changes to distribution systems and fluctuations in parallel trade.
The new document provides new guidance, including:
– an expectation that, under normal circumstances, pharmacies should receive medicines within 24 hours:
– the importance of regular communication between manufacturers and wholesalers so that all parties have a good understanding of the supply and demand for particular products;
– where manufacturers put arrangements in place to verify that a medicine is required for a genuine UK patient, they should be sensitive to the workload implications for dispensers and, as part of these arrangements, dispensers should not disclose patient- or prescriber-identifiable details; and
– the need for all in the supply chain to have contingency arrangements in place to source supply where there are supply difficulties.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
