NHIA Releases Product Shortages Guidance

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia—In response to the report on the operational disruption at Baxter’s North Cove, North Carolina, facility due to Hurricane Helene, the National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) released a guidance list that aims to provide health care organizations with a structured approach for managing product shortages, particularly of diluents, parenteral nutrition (PN) products and small and large volume parenteral solutions. The guidance outlines recommendations and considerations to help clinicians and health care professionals maintain patient care during these shortages.

NHIA is collaborating with regulatory agencies, suppliers, health care organizations and clinicians in an effort to monitor the situation and provide updates. The company said that its goal is to assist in addressing the shortage and ensure continuity of care through strategic resource management.

During a shortage period, the NHIA guidance suggested to consider ways of conserving the following resources:

• Dextrose 70% and Sterile Water for Injection (SWFI) for PN compounding.
• SWFI for reconstitution of compounded medications.
• NS small volume parenteral bags.

Additionally, the guidance indicated the following measures and recommendations may apply:

• Changes to compounding procedures or workflows as a result of shortages can increase the risk of errors. Report medication errors related to shortages to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices for broader learning and to help mitigate risks.
• Changes to procedures and workflows can increase the risk of additional drug shortages as the supply of larger containers are used to compound smaller volumes.

The full guidance released by NHIA can be read here.