Communicating the Crisis: Navigating the Challenges of Chemotherapeutic Drug Shortages with a Patient-Centered Ethical Dialogue Framework

Introduction:The United States finds itself gripped by debilitating drug shortages, thrusting thousands of patients nationwide into a precarious limbo and making the potential delay or cancellation of essential chemotherapy treatments a reality. In June 2023, the situation escalated to encompass a staggering 309 active drug shortages, including twenty-five chemotherapeutics, two of which are carboplatin and cisplatin. Communicating the nuances of a chemotherapy drug shortage to those affected transforms into a multifaceted and delicate endeavor that demands deep-seated empathy, preparation, and understanding. Mastering strategic, patient-centered communication becomes an ethical imperative and valuable skill for all physicians, amplifying the human connection at the heart of medicine.