“It can be stressful for patients with cancer to learn that their care may be impacted by drug shortages, but it’s important for oncologists to engage patients in these discussions,” he said. “Our data suggest that people expect disclosure of shortages as part of the caregiving process.”
More public awareness might also pressure stakeholders to tackle systemic failings underlying these drug shortages, he said. “It’s important that everyone – clinicians, patients, and the public – have a seat at the table as these strategies are developed.”
No specific funding was disclosed. The investigators reported no disclosures.
SOURCE: Frosch ZAK et al. Cancer. 2018 Apr 8. doi: 10.1002/cncr.31246.