Medication Shortages in Ireland: A Qualitative Study from the Perspective of Hospital Pharmacy Staff

Abstract

Background Medication shortages are increasingly frequent across Europe, driven by both global and national factors. In Ireland the multi-stakeholder approach to managing shortages is recommended by the national regulator, with pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians playing a central role. Objective This qualitative study explored the perspectives of hospital pharmacy staff on medication shortages in Ireland. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted between December 2024 and February 2025. Participants included pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians working in acute hospitals in Ireland. Participants were recruited using purposive, convenience and maximum variation sampling. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Fifteen participants (seven pharmacists, eight technicians) were included in this study. Five key themes were identified: (1) Pharmacy's central position; (2) Healthcare professionals under pressure; (3) Impact on quality of care and patient safety; (4) Current system challenges and (5) Potential future strategies. Participants expressed their central position in managing shortages by adhering to detailed procedures, performing risk assessments, communicating with multiple stakeholders, and implementing mitigating factors. Technicians provided more practical insight into operational challenges across the hospital supply chain, while pharmacists focused more on clinical implications of medication shortages. They emphasised the emotional and procedural strain on healthcare professionals, raised concerns about higher patient risks and the holistic impact on patients. They faced systemic challenges with supply instability, the application of unlicensed medicines, and the lack of effective notification system. Participants stressed the need for coordinated efforts at local, national and international levels. Conclusion Participants underscored the pivotal role of the pharmacy team in managing medication shortages and recognised the wider impact these shortages have on other healthcare professionals. Further research could explore doctors’ and nurses’ perspectives to identify how pharmacy teams can best support them. The development of proactive mitigation strategies is recommended and requires close consultation with all key stakeholders, in particular healthcare professionals.