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Pharmacy Supply Chain Challenges: A National Survey Overview

Introduction

A recent survey conducted by Tecsys Inc. has unveiled a concerning reality in the pharmacy supply chains within healthcare systems across the United States. The data reveals that only 20% of healthcare leaders have a complete, real-time view of inventory and care settings. As the pressure mounts from drug shortages, cost changes, and operational demands, limited visibility in pharmacy operations continues to present a significant issue for patient care and system efficiency.

Key Findings

1. Visibility Shortfalls

The survey results illustrate that visibility is the primary constraint affecting supply chain effectiveness. An alarming 80% of respondents reported using delayed, partial, or manual tracking methods to monitor supplies, leading to costly disruptions in service.

2. Lack of Preparedness

Despite the knowledge that disruptions are a certainty, a staggering 77% of healthcare leaders indicated they are not fully prepared for major interruptions. This unpreparedness could lead to severe implications not only for healthcare providers but ultimately for patients in need of timely medical intervention.

3. Drug Shortages Drive Disruptions

Drug shortages have emerged as the number one disruption in pharmacy operations, affecting 79% of respondents over the past two years. Other critical factors include spikes in demand (63%) and raw material shortages (63%). These challenges highlight the urgent need for improved supply chain management processes.

4. AI Adoption Is Slow

While the potential for artificial intelligence and machine learning in demand forecasting and inventory optimization exists, only 15% of surveyed leaders have fully implemented these technologies. This lag in digital adoption may hinder efforts to address existing supply chain vulnerabilities.

5. Misalignment in Strategic Value

Although nearly half of the pharmacy and supply chain leaders regard their roles as strategic, only 15% of hospital executives share this sentiment. This disparity indicates a disconnect that may limit the potential for pharmacy functions to be integrated effectively into broader healthcare system strategies.

Expert Insight

Jeff Wagner, vice president of pharmacy, respiratory care, and ECMO services at Texas Children's Hospital, stated, “The findings underscore the critical nature of real-time visibility in pharmacy networks. Without it, teams are forced to operate using incomplete data, complicating crucial decisions.” This sentiment reflects a growing consensus on the importance of transparency in supply chains for maintaining continuity of patient care.

Dr. Valerie Bandy, vice president of pharmacy solutions at Tecsys, elaborates on the situation: “Healthcare is at a crossroads, where the pressure to manage shortages and control costs is intensifying. Without end-to-end transparency, pharmacy teams are left with reactive rather than proactive decision-making capabilities, which negatively impacts patient care.”

Conclusion

The survey from Tecsys paints a challenging picture for pharmacy supply chains in healthcare settings. Increased investment in technology and strategies that enhance visibility could mitigate risks associated with the current disruptions. As healthcare leaders focus on operational efficiency, it is crucial that real-time data integration becomes a priority to safeguard patient care and ensure resilient supply chains moving forward.

Further Information

For more insights and detailed findings, interested parties can access the full report titled The Visibility Crisis in Health System Pharmacies.

About Tecsys

Tecsys is an industry-renowned provider specializing in supply chain management solutions, offering global clients cloud-based, AI-driven software to optimize operations. Publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TCS), the company is dedicated to enhancing visibility and efficiency within critical workflows for mission-critical organizations, particularly in healthcare and distribution.