October 10, 2024- New provider survey data from Premier, Inc. finds that more than 86 percent of healthcare providers are experiencing shortages of IV fluids in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Shortages were evenly spread nationwide, across all provider types. Shortages also seemed to evenly affect providers regardless of size or system affiliation, according to Premier.
IV fluid supply first became compromised after the primary manufacturer with more than 60 percent market share in the United States sustained damage at its North Carolina facility as a result of Hurricane Helene.
Of the Premier survey respondents, 88 percent report they are receiving less than half of their requested orders for IV fluids. As a result, approximately 54 percent of respondents have 10 days or less of IV fluids in inventory, down from a more typical supply of 15 to 22 days on hand, according to historical Premier purchasing and real-time ordering data, with limited ability to replenish those stocks. Smaller providers (those with 25 or fewer beds) were more likely than other types of providers to report receiving zero percent of their ordered quantities of IV fluids.
Considering these trends, providers reported in qualitative survey comments that it’s only a matter of time until supplies dwindle to zero.
Given limited product availability, nearly 17 percent of surveyed providers have cancelled elective surgeries and other procedures, and another 58 percent are considering that option in the near term. In addition, 78 percent of providers report that they will be forced to consider cancelling procedures in the next month if the situation does not improve.
Read the full report from Premier here.