Survey finds drug shortages affecting patient care

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- A recent survey found drug shortages are affecting patient care.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists surveyed its members and found one overriding complaint: Shortages of drugs doctors use for anesthesia.

The physicians reported that over 96 percent have been forced to use an alternative drug to one they preferred for a particular patient and procedure and more than 50 percent have altered a procedure to accommodate a drug shortage.

The survey also found that about seven percent of doctors have postponed procedures and four percent have cancelled procedures.

Most disturbing of all were seven anonymous respondents who reported that drug shortages had resulted in the death of a patient.

The authors say there is no one reason for the drug shortages and so no single solution.

If you are facing surgery, ask your anesthesiologist if the drug shortages will affect your procedure.