Shortages of medicines in a psychiatric hospital in Cyprus

Abstract Background The incidence of drug shortages has surged in recent years and it poses a major threat to public health worldwide. It can also downgrade the quality of care provided to patients. Data concerning shortages pertinent to mental health care are scarce, while treatment continuity is vital to avert disease recurrence and deterioration of patients’ mental health. Objective The scope of this study is to elucidate the attitudes and perceptions of mental health professionals regarding drug shortages in Cyprus in a tertiary health institute, through a specially designed questionnaire. Results The most frequently reported effects of psychiatric drug shortages were the impaired efficacy of the alternative therapeutic regimen, re-admission of patients, delays in care provision and increased frequency of adverse events. Concerning the loss of working hours in managing drug shortages, the majority responded that they dedicate 1 to 5 working hours to this per week. Informing the patient about alternative medication and the ongoing shortages were the first strategies to minimise the effects of shortages, as attested by 74% and 72% of responders, respectively. The proposed solutions for drug shortages included thorough investigation of the root causes, the elaboration of an e-based database, drawing up a national annual report and assuming legal responsibility of pharmaceutical companies. Drug shortages constitute an important burden in the field of mental health care in Cyprus. Given the serious impact of the problem and the externalities of mental health disorders, appropriate measures must be swiftly taken to ensure timely and effective administration of the appropriate therapeutic regimen.