In the middle of a patients course of chemotherapy the medic

In the middle of a patient’s course of chemotherapy, the medication is no longer available due to manufacturing issues. The chemotherapy was prescribed for this patient using scientific evidence and patient outcomes.

How does the shortage of chemotherapy drugs impact the quality and safety of patient care?

Are work arounds such as substitute medications a safe alternative? Why or why not?

Identify an intervention that you can implement as the RN to advocate for safe patient care and positive patient outcomes when drug shortages occur.

Solution

Ques-1: How does the shortage of chemotherapy drugs impact the quality and safety of patient care?

Answer: Chemotherapy shortage is due to manufacturing issues& it has a lot of impact on cancer patients mainly quality control risk. This shortage is leading to delay in treatment by oncologists finally delay in surgeries & patients have to stay more days in oncology units may subject higher radiation therapies. As a result, it can be lead to higher cost of patient health care & compromised patient safety

Ques-2: Are work arounds such as substitute medications a safe alternative? Why or why not?

No, it is not safe alternative such as substitute medications due to chemotherapy shortage because for instance, radiation therapy is leading to induces generation of free radicals that trigger cellular damage by disturbing cellular microenvironment. The mechanism of late effects includes the damage to microvasculature, stem cell depletion, and altered gene expression. Chemotherapeutic agents shortage is leading to higher mortality rate due to lack of adequate patient treatment regimen during oncology surgeries