Patients’ rights: drug shortages, a cause for concern – 03.29.2024 – News

On March 28, 2024, France Assos Santé published the 2024 edition of the Barometer of the Rights of Sick People. This study shows that the majority of French people know their rights, such as the right to respect for medical confidentiality (91%), access to medical care (82%) and direct access to their medical records (79%). On the other hand, less than a third of respondents (27%) know that they can be represented and supported if problems arise along the way of care. “The figures remind us of the importance of strengthening efforts to raise awareness among the general public of the existence of user representatives in health care settings,” the association said.

As for healthcare professionals, the first point of reference for navigating the healthcare system remains the general practitioner (80% and 55% of respondents named him first). On the other hand, the rank of pharmacist has decreased: only 16% of respondents name it first, and only 2% name it first. Thus, he is ahead of general practitioners, relatives, the Internet, appointment platforms and specialist doctors.

While 92% of French people say they are satisfied with their relationships with health professionals, and 87% say they are satisfied with the effectiveness of medical care, respondents are concerned about two dark spots: access to health professionals and shortages of medicines. For 39% of French people, or almost 4 in 10 French people, making an appointment is a negative or even very negative experience (14%).

As for the shortage of medicines, it affects an increasing number of consumers: 44% of them have already faced a shortage of medicines, including 42% in pharmacies. In 2023 there were only 37%, and in 2022 – 29%. Among caregivers and people with chronic conditions (ALD), this figure rises to 57% and 52%, respectively. In 65% of cases an alternative was proposed. This is slightly better than a year ago (+4 points). “But the situation nevertheless remains unacceptable, as France Assos Santé continues to insist, which has been calling for the use of the law to prevent shortages for many years,” the association said.