Patient safety a concern amid shortage of pharmacists

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Aside from saying more staff members are needed, some pharmacy experts said another concern is patient safety.

Ben Mudd, executive director of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association, coordinates day-to-day operations of hundreds of pharmacist members in the state.

"We see pharmacists and their teams being asked to do more and more with less and less, which has really led to kind of where we are today," Mudd said. "Various places across the country we've seen some pharmacy closures and pharmacy staff walking out of pharmacies, and it's really due to insufficient resources in those stores."

Pharmacies are facing one of their busiest times of year as customers look for help during cold season and provide flu and COVID vaccines.

At the Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences enrollment peaked at 110 students in 2017, according to dean Misty Stutz. Last year's class had only 31 students, which is not enough for the school to be "sustainable" in the long run, Stutz previously said to WDRB News.

In a recent interview with WDRB on Oct. 9, Stutz said the issues with long lines and shorter operating hours at pharmacies likely won't be going away soon even if enrollment increases nationally, because of the years it takes to complete the necessary education.

Mudd said vaccine efforts have increased workload for pharmacists, along with insurance changes and inadequate staffing.

There are also pharmacies inside hospitals that administer vaccines, help patients with preventive care, and prepare chemotherapy treatment needed at UofL Health Brown Cancer Center. Tina Claypool, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist with UofL Health, believes its important for patients to build a relationship with their pharmacist just as they do their doctors.

"Pharmacists play a very important role," Claypool said. "Your pharmacists are behind the scenes communicating with your providers, many out in the community see more than one physician and are reviewing all of your medications. That includes over-the-counter and natural supplements. We're helping with immunization and preventive health measures."

That workload has made things difficult for pharmacists as they try to meet demands of patient care.

"Everyone practice a little bit of extra patience and kindness," Claypool said. "We will take care of you, if we don't answer the phone quickly or there is a long line, try to take a deep breath, be patient."

Ongoing drug shortages also have also been a challenge.

"I've been a pharmacist for over 25 years and I've never seen this high volume of supply issues," Claypool said. "There's such a variety of reasons that's occurring from supply and demand of products, but also, access. Some of these pharmaceutical companies that may be offshore or getting the supplies to make the medication, especially like glass or syringes or certain products that are important for the manufacturing of those medicines. But all of those things are subject to safety so safety is always going to be paramount."

Claypool encourages patients to stick with their pharmacy. It's something Dewayne Robinson is happy to do, with the new addition at UofL Health Mary and Elizabeth Hospital. Earlier this year, the hospital opened a pharmacy on its first floor. It's open to patients and community members alike.

"It's great having the facility here because you don't have to worry about going somewhere else to get it," Robinson said. "I prefer here better because all my meds, all my history is here."

Robinson works at the hospital where he said he monitors heart rhythms. He's thankful to now be able to pick up his medications and talk with his pharmacist without having to make an extra stop outside the building.

He said it's an important addition for Louisville's south end.

"One of my co-workers, we're both diabetic," Robinson said. "The need to have that medication readily available, it's awesome."

Mudd said for anyone having issues with a pharmacy or worried about the conditions there can file a complaint with Kentucky Board of Pharmacy.

He suggested anyone wanting a vaccine to try and schedule and appointment online and said for people getting prescription refill, do so seven days in advance.

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