Appendix figure 1 shows the percentage of U.S. adults reporting being affected by a medical product shortage by wave of the Household Pulse Survey. Across the three waves of the survey in 2023, the percentage of U.S. adults who reported experiencing a medical product shortage increased very slightly across every type of medical product shortage.

Appendix Figure 1Percentage of U.S. Adults Reporting Being Affected by Medical Product Shortages, by Wave of the Household Pulse Survey

Notes: We define “any shortage” as a respondent who reported being impacted by at least one type of shortage (prescription, over-the-counter, device, other). In calculating “any shortage,” respondents experiencing multiple shortages are only counted once; therefore, the percentages of respondents experiencing shortages of each of the different product types do not add up to the total experiencing any shortage. “Rx” denotes shortage of a medicine or medication that requires a prescription or is given by a provider, pharmacist, or hospital. “OTC” denotes shortage of a medicine or medication that is sold over the counter (without a prescription). “Medical device” denotes shortage of a medical equipment or supplies used at home such as infusion pumps, glucose monitors, home ventilators, masks, gloves, etc. “Other” includes shortages of other critical products.

Source: ASPE analysis of the Household Pulse Survey for August–October 2023.

From: Medical Product Shortages in the United States: Demographic and Geographic Factors and Impacts

Cover of Medical Product Shortages in the United States: Demographic and Geographic Factors and Impacts
Medical Product Shortages in the United States: Demographic and Geographic Factors and Impacts: Issue Brief [Internet].
Beleche T, Kolbe A.
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