Drug shortages across the United States have reached a critical level, placing increasing strain on primary care clinicians and reshaping the way they deliver care. According to data from a recent national survey of nearly 900 healthcare professionals, 87% of clinicians reported having to modify their clinical practice as a direct result of ongoing medication shortages. These findings highlight not only the scale of the problem, but also its profound impact on patient care, clinician workload, and the overall healthcare system.

A Widespread and Persistent Problem

Medication shortages are no longer isolated or temporary disruptions. Over the past several years, shortages have affected a wide range of commonly prescribed drugs, including antibiotics, diabetes medications, cardiovascular agents, pain relievers, and emergency medications. Many of these drugs are essential first-line therapies, leaving clinicians with limited or less effective alternatives.

Survey respondents indicated that shortages are occurring more frequently and lasting longer than in previous years. As a result, clinicians are often forced to make real-time decisions with incomplete information, uncertain supply timelines, and limited therapeutic options.

How Clinicians Are Adapting Their Practice

The survey revealed that nearly nine out of ten clinicians have had to change how they practice medicine due to drug shortages. These changes take many forms. Physicians and nurse practitioners report switching patients to second- or third-line medications, adjusting dosages, delaying treatment, or splitting available supplies among patients. In some cases, clinicians must spend additional time searching for available medications across pharmacies or coordinating with hospitals and suppliers.

These adaptations are not without consequences. Alternative medications may be less effective, carry different side-effect profiles, or be more expensive for patients. Clinicians also expressed concern that frequent medication changes can confuse patients, reduce adherence, and undermine trust in treatment plans.

Increased Burden on Primary Care

Primary care settings appear to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of drug shortages. Unlike large hospital systems, many primary care practices lack dedicated pharmacy teams or supply chain support. Clinicians themselves must often manage the logistical challenges associated with shortages, adding to already heavy workloads.

Respondents reported spending significant time on administrative tasks related to shortages, such as contacting pharmacies, rewriting prescriptions, and counseling patients about medication changes. This additional burden contributes to clinician frustration and burnout, which are already major concerns in primary care.

Impact on Patient Safety and Quality of Care

Drug shortages raise serious concerns about patient safety. When first-choice therapies are unavailable, clinicians may be forced to use less familiar medications, increasing the risk of dosing errors or adverse drug reactions. Delays in treatment can also worsen disease outcomes, particularly for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease.

Many clinicians surveyed expressed worry that shortages disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including older adults, low-income patients, and those with limited access to healthcare resources. Higher out-of-pocket costs for alternative medications can further widen existing health disparities.

Calls for System-Level Solutions

The survey findings underscore the urgent need for systemic solutions to address drug shortages. Clinicians emphasized the importance of improved transparency around drug supply disruptions, earlier notification of impending shortages, and stronger coordination between manufacturers, regulators, and healthcare providers.

Policy experts have also called for increased domestic drug manufacturing, diversification of supply chains, and incentives to produce low-profit but essential generic medications. Without meaningful reform, clinicians warn that shortages will continue to compromise care quality and place unsustainable pressure on the healthcare workforce.

Conclusion

The fact that 87% of clinicians are changing their practice due to drug shortages is a clear signal that the problem has moved beyond inconvenience and into the realm of patient safety and healthcare sustainability. As shortages persist, primary care clinicians are being asked to do more with less—often at the expense of time, resources, and emotional well-being. Addressing this crisis will require coordinated action at the national level to ensure reliable access to essential medications and protect the integrity of patient care.