Chapter 11: Supply Chain Challenges Preventing a Sustainable Pharmaceutical Industry

Since Brexit, the United Kingdom has experienced an increase in medicine shortages. Existing research largely focuses on their impact on pharmacists, the role of policymakers and the influence of resilience strategies and key supply chain actors. However, a significant gap remains in understanding how these shortages affect individuals at the end of the supply chain – namely, consumers or patients relying on medications.

To address this gap, this study employed quantitative methods, surveying 71 participants, recruited through cluster probability sampling to ensure a balanced sample. Participants were pre-screened using targeted questions to confirm their experiences with medicine shortages, a prerequisite for inclusion. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation to assess the repercussions of these shortages.

Findings indicate that medicine shortages have profound negative effects on UK patients, particularly in terms of their health conditions and financial stability. Furthermore, these events appear to erode patients’ trust in the government, highlighting broader societal implications. Given the serious consequences for both patients and government entities, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to address these shortages. Effective solutions should prioritise protecting patients at the end of the pharmaceutical supply chain and mitigating underlying issues, such as communication barriers between government bodies, healthcare providers and affected individuals.