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Navigating Disruptions in Healthcare: New Strategies for Health Systems

The landscape of healthcare is evolving rapidly, pushing health systems to adjust their strategies to meet mounting challenges. According to a recent report presented at the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) Midyear Clinical Meeting Exhibition, health organizations are facing a myriad of obstacles ranging from increasing levels of uncompensated care to significant cybersecurity threats and the impacts of climate change.

The 2026 ASHP/ASHP Foundation Pharmacy Forecast sheds light on the perspectives of nearly 300 pharmacy leaders and paints a picture of the future that includes considerable shifts in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and prescription benefit management. The report highlights the critical need for health systems to adopt a nimble planning process, which is essential for navigating the complexities of tomorrow’s healthcare environment.

Shifting Strategies and Financial Pressures

The Pharmacy Forecast underscores an urgent need for health systems to rethink their operational models. With increasing scrutiny of traditional pharmacy benefit managers and evolving reimbursement structures, there is a significant shift towards more transparent and effective management of healthcare costs. Many surveyed leaders anticipate a trend where health systems will either create their own pharmacy benefit managers or collaborate with entities that prioritize transparency and accountability. Indeed, over half of the respondents indicated that changes would occur in how and where infusion services are delivered, especially in light of new Medicare and 340B policies that may lead to an uptick in uncompensated care.

Cybersecurity Risks and Systemic Vulnerabilities

Cyber threats pose another critical concern within the healthcare sector. The report reveals that approximately two-thirds of those surveyed agree that a significant cyberattack could disrupt medication access on a national scale. The authors of the report call on health systems, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and federal agencies to work together in bolstering cybersecurity defenses and enhancing supply chain transparency. This interconnectivity is essential to safeguarding medication delivery and ensuring the robustness of healthcare systems amidst growing cyber threats.

Climate Change: A Call for Resilience

In addition to cybersecurity, climate-related events are becoming a pressing concern for the continuity of care. Nearly three-quarters of experts predict that weather-induced disruptions will increasingly affect hospitals and their supply chains. This highlights an urgent call to develop more resilient infrastructures within health systems. A supplementary editorial in the AJHP (American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy) emphasizes the need for pharmacy leaders to actively participate in creating climate-resilient healthcare environments, showcasing the interplay between climatic factors and health system operations.

Key Recommendations for Healthcare Leaders

The Pharmacy Forecast does not stop at merely identifying problems; it extends into actionable recommendations. Here are some of the key strategies suggested for healthcare leaders:

1. Strengthen Financial Resilience: Leaders are encouraged to utilize scenario planning that anticipates shifts in drug reimbursement and payment reforms, facilitating quicker adaptations to revenue changes.

2. Enhance Supply Chain Resilience: Moving beyond cost-centric strategies is important, with an emphasis on building partnerships that enhance domestic production capabilities and supply chain transparency.

3. Advance Digital Transformation: Preparing the pharmacy workforce to embrace technology while acting as a liaison between digital health innovations and patient experiences is crucial.

4. Support Therapeutic Advances: Leaders must plan for the implications of emerging therapies, ensuring that vaccine availability and access for vulnerable populations remain protected.

5. Integrate Sustainability into Planning: This includes measuring emissions, minimizing the use of disposables, and treating resilience as a strategic imperative.

6. Transform Safety Strategies: A proactive approach to safety that incorporates predictive analytics and human-factors engineering is recommended for enhanced patient safety.

Paul W. Abramowitz, CEO of ASHP, noted how relevant insights from the report resonate with discussions held at ASHP summits focusing on artificial intelligence and advanced therapeutics. The Pharmacy Forecast serves both as a blueprint and a clarion call for health systems worldwide as they strive to adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.

As healthcare faces unprecedented challenges, the ability to pivot and innovate will ultimately determine the success of these systems in safeguarding patient care and maintaining operational stability for the future.