Lessons Learned from a Continuous Quality-Improvement Testing Program
Author(s): McElhiney Linda F
Issue: Sep/Oct 2011 - Volume 15, Number 5
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Page(s): 372-374
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Abstract: The compounding pharmacy operations coordinator of Indiana University Health, which is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, reports lessons learned from their participation in a quality-improvement program. Although the institution has a very impressive compounding operation and followed most of the United States Pharmacopeia standards, with rarely a reported problem with the medications prepared, it was during their participation in the program that they learned about several factors that could negatively affect their compounding. With the knowledge gained, they were able to significantly improve their compounding processes. Testing can sometimes be a little costly and time consuming, but, as this article indicates, the results are high-quality compounded preparations that meet high standards.
Related Keywords: Linda F. McElhiney, PharmD, RPh, FIACP, FASHP, continuous quality improvement, United States Pharmacopeia, standards, potency, salt form, hydration factor, water absorption, packaging