Matsunuma Satoru, Sunaga Shigeki, Hirose Kanami, Samizo Gaku, Soeishi Ryohei, Yoshimoto Koichi, Jimbo Hiroyuki
Department of Pharmacy, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo, JPN.
Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo, JPN.
Cureus. 2024 Jul 25;16(7):e65324. doi: 10.7759/cureus.65324. eCollection 2024 Jul.
Introduction Valproic Acid (VPA) is an essential drug in epilepsy treatment, yet it has faced supply instability in Japan. The extent of the VPA shortage and the associated increase in pharmacists' workload and collaboration with healthcare organizations remains unclear. This study investigates the potential effects of these disruptions on the roles of pharmacists. Methods A questionnaire was administered to pharmacies in Hachioji City, Japan. The survey addressed inventory management, patient complaints, and the potential effects on pharmacy operations during VPA supply instability. A chi-squared test of independence was conducted to compare the most unstable VPA supply period with the current supply situation. Supply stability according to pharmacy characteristics such as the number of prescriptions received per day and primary patient age group was also evaluated. Results Of the 42 pharmacies surveyed, 76.2% reported changes in prescription processing due to VPA supply issues. The main challenges were increased workload in inventory management and patient concerns regarding medication availability and quality. Pharmacies primarily serving clinical prescriptions and pediatric patients were the most affected by the supply instability. Discussion This study highlighted the potential effects of VPA supply instability on pharmacy operations. Pharmacists are expected to provide continuous treatment to patients through effective counseling and medication guidance to alleviate anxiety and concerns related to supply shortages.
引言 丙戊酸（VPA）是癫痫治疗中的一种重要药物，但在日本它面临供应不稳定的问题。VPA短缺的程度以及药剂师工作量的相应增加以及与医疗机构的合作情况仍不明确。本研究调查了这些干扰对药剂师角色的潜在影响。方法 对日本八王子市的药店进行了问卷调查。该调查涉及库存管理、患者投诉以及VPA供应不稳定期间对药房运营的潜在影响。进行了独立性卡方检验，以比较VPA供应最不稳定时期与当前供应情况。还根据药店特征（如每天收到的处方数量和主要患者年龄组）评估了供应稳定性。结果 在接受调查的42家药店中，76.2%报告称由于VPA供应问题，处方处理发生了变化。主要挑战是库存管理工作量增加以及患者对药物供应和质量的担忧。主要服务于临床处方和儿科患者的药店受供应不稳定影响最大。讨论 本研究强调了VPA供应不稳定对药房运营的潜在影响。预计药剂师将通过有效的咨询和用药指导为患者提供持续治疗，以缓解与供应短缺相关的焦虑和担忧。
