EAHP launch 2014 survey on medicines shortages in Europe

19 MARCH 2014

The European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) has today launched its 2014 survey on medicines shortages in Europe. It will be open for 7 weeks, closing at midnight CET on 7th May 2014.

Covering issues such as the prevalence of shortages, types of shortages, and length of shortages, the survey also investigates the impact that shortages have on patient care and the operation of hospital pharmacy services.

Speaking on the launch of the survey, EAHP President Dr Roberto Frontini said:

“EAHP’s previous survey in 2013 told us just how prevalent the problem of medicines shortages in European hospitals has become - 99% of hospital pharmacists reported it as a problem, 63% said it is a weekly or daily occurrence, and 73% reported the problem to be getting worse.

As we continue to raise awareness of this problem with the European political institutions, and call attention to the need for action, we are urging hospital pharmacists in every country to tell us more about the how the problem is impacting their work and the provision of care to patients.

It is in the public interest that experiences about medicines shortages are shared and made well known in order that evidence based policy responses can be instigated without undue delay.

I therefore encourage every hospital pharmacist, at whatever level of practice, to complete the survey and tell us what’s happening in their hospital!”

ENDS

THE SURVEY IS AVAILABLE HERE

For further information contact info[at]eahp[dot]eu / 00 322 741 6835

NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) is an association of national organisations across 34 countries representing hospital pharmacists at European and international levels. More information about the EAHP and its history here.

2. The 2014 EAHP medicines survey is available here. The survey will close at midnight (CET) on Wednesday 7th May.

3. Respondents to the survey can be entered into a draw for free registration to the 20th Congress of the EAHP in Hamburg (25-27th March 2015) if they leave their contact details.

4. The headline results of EAHP’s 2013 medicines shortage survey are available here.

5. The medicines shortages survey will also be available to complete via the EAHP Congress App. More information here.

6. The topic of medicines shortages will also be a key subject of discussion at the EAHP Congress press conference in Barcelona next week. More information about the press conference here.

7. EAHP President Dr Roberto Frontini is available for interview on the subject of medicines shortages by contacting the EAHP office.