# Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Medicine Shortages in Public Health Facilities of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

## TL;DR

Healthcare workers in South Africa report that medicine shortages cause stress, delay treatment, and harm patient trust and outcomes, with pharmacists being most affected.

## Contribution

This study provides insights into healthcare professionals' perceptions of medicine shortages in South Africa, highlighting profession-specific impacts and the need for policy action.

## Key findings

- 96.7% of respondents agreed that medicine shortages increase provider stress and reduce patient trust.
- 70.6% reported that shortages lead to delayed treatment, and 67% reported compromised health outcomes.
- Pharmacists were more likely than other professionals to report increased patient costs, treatment errors, and health compromises due to shortages.

## Abstract

Background: Medicine shortages present a critical challenge for health systems worldwide, impacting patient care and health outcomes. This study investigated healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the impact of medicine shortages in public health facilities of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 394 healthcare professionals (professional nurses, pharmacists, and medical officers). Results: The findings revealed a strong consensus that shortages negatively affect all stakeholders, with 96.7% of respondents agreeing that they increase provider stress and reduce patient trust. A significant majority also reported that shortages lead to delayed treatment (70.6%) and compromised health outcomes (67%). However, perceptions varied significantly by profession. Pharmacists were significantly more likely than nurses and medical officers to perceive that shortages result in increased out-of-pocket costs for patients, treatment errors, and compromised health outcomes. Conclusions: The study concludes that medicine shortages severely impact patient safety, clinical outcomes, and healthcare providers’ well-being in this setting. The pronounced concerns among pharmacists highlight their strained role in managing the crisis and underscore the urgent need for strengthened pharmaceutical supply chain governance, interprofessional collaboration, and targeted policies to mitigate the effects of shortages and protect patients from financial hardship.