Evaluating the Impact of COVID-19 on the Pharmaceutical Drug Supply Chain

Background/Rationale/Statement of Problem: The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has altered the world and changed the means by which people approach various aspects of their lives. Businesses, governments, hospital systems, charities, and other organizations have had to adapt to adversity presented over the past year and modify their operations. Notably, it is believed that COVID-19 directly and indirectly impacted the drug supply chain. Members of the medication supply chain discovered a need to adapt traditional supply chain methods to complete operations and ultimately provide effective patient care. Thus, the purposes of this project are to: 1) learn about different members along the drug supply chain and 2) evaluate the impacts of COVID-19 on operations and outcomes. Description of research methodology: To explore this concept, information is being gathered through an interview-style approach. Personal one-on-one interviews, via video and phone calls, are being conducted with various members involved in steps throughout the drug supply chain, including manufacturing companies, distributors, wholesalers, and pharmacies. A set series of questions pertaining to thoughts, actions, and outcomes are being asked to each of the interviewees. The information collected from those responses will be compiled and analyzed. Results: Research in progress. Conclusion: Research in progress