Extemporaneous compounding in New Zealand hospitals

Abstract

Objective: The skill to compound non-sterile products is one of the seven competencies required of entry-level pharmacists for registration with the New Zealand Pharmacy Council. The need for extemporaneous compounding skills has been questioned in other countries, as it is argued that the skill is not often required in modern pharmacy settings. The aim of the current study was to determine the scope and frequency of extemporaneous compounding in New Zealand hospitals Method: Retrospective data were collected from eight large hospitals where extemporaneous compounded is regularly undertaken, for the period June 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004. Data were retrieved from compounding logbooks and batch sheets in hospital dispensaries. Data were collected from the north and south islands of the country. There are 32 hospitals of various sizes in New Zealand but extemporaneous compounding is not undertaken at all of them due to staff shortages or lack of demand. Key findings: There were 2015 products compounded over the seven-month period, with an average of 251.9 per month. Suspensions were the most frequently compounded oral dosage form. Omeprazole suspension was the most frequently compounded extemporaneous product. Nearly one-third of the compounded products were for beta-blockers. Creams, ointments and non-oral solutions were the most common topical compounded products. Conclusion: Pharmacists perform a broad range of extemporaneous compounding, and the skill of compounding is thus an essential competency for all hospital pharmacists. © 2007 The Authors.