How COVID-19 drug shortages affected Veterans' medication access and health
The broken drug supply chain: The impact of COVID-19 on drug shortages and Veteran health
Researchers will look at how COVID-19-related drug shortages changed medication access and health outcomes for Veterans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318886 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will analyze VA pharmacy and health records to identify when outpatient medications were unavailable during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether Veterans missed doses or experienced worse clinical outcomes. The team will compare impacts across race, ethnicity, age, location, and co-morbidities. VA operations staff, federal partners, and an expert stakeholder panel will help shape methods and interpret findings. Results will be used to recommend policies to reduce future medication shortages and protect patient care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans who used VA outpatient pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those with chronic conditions who rely on regular medications.
Not a fit: Those who do not use VA pharmacy services or whose medications were not affected by supply disruptions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help the VA create policies and operational fixes to prevent future medication gaps and protect Veterans' health.
How similar studies have performed: Most prior research has focused on inpatient drug shortages, so examining outpatient impacts in the VA is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suda, Kj — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Suda, Kj
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.