Anesthesiologists face many problems, one of the biggest being drug shortages. These drug shortages include some of the most vital anesthetics, those used every day. These shortages cause many problems not only for doctors but also for patients because they create different side effects and create risks in hospitals. Although still in development, some solutions have emerged that could help alleviate the drug shortage, even if they are not as effective as expected. Many drugs in shortage are used on a daily basis. Additionally, the quantity of drugs in shortage has increased significantly over the years. In a national survey, the majority of anesthesiologists confirmed that at least one drug was in shortage and also reported that the substitute affected the patient more than the drug itself would have (“A core group states that the shortage of anesthesia drugs is caused by GPOs). This means that patients would benefit from a longer recovery time, which would reduce the number of surgeries that can be performed in a specific period of time. The drug shortage has become so widespread that even the federal government is now paying attention. The fact that the federal government is getting involved shows how serious the problem has become. Between 2005 and 2010, the drug shortage became so severe that it almost tripled (“Drug Shortages Fact Sheet”). The majority of hospitals reported a drug shortage that affected patients' surgeries, cancer treatments and pain control. Drugs in short supply include propofol, a short-acting sedative, and succinylcholine, used for rapid sequence intubation. The drug propofol is ideally used in an outpatient setting (Rabinowitz). Another sh...... middle of paper ......orks citedBettin, Christopher. “Negative impact of anesthetic drug shortages mitigated through improved communication efforts, survey data reveals.” AANA. May 7, 2013. the web. February 10, 2014. “Drug Shortages Fact Sheet.” American College of Emergency Physicians. Internet. February 10, 2014. Fields, Rachel. “7 serious effects of anesthesia drug shortages on surgery centers. » ASCCommunications. February 9, 2012. The web. February 10, 2014. “Grassroots Group Says Anesthesia Drug Shortage Caused by GPOs.” » Somnia anesthesia. April 12, 2013. the web. February 10, 2014. Jacobs, Jeffrey. “Anesthesia alert: questions and answers about anesthetic drug shortages. » Ambulatory Surgery Magazine. January 2014. Web. February 10, 2014. Meyer, Tricia. “The Anatomy of Drug Shortages.” Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation.Web. February 10, 2014. Rabinowitz, ed. “The Anesthetic Drug Shortage: What it Means for You.” » HCPLive. April 12, 2011. Internet. February 10 2014.