Establishing an outcome-based quality assurance program in a pharmaceutical production services area

The development and implementation of a Quality Assurance (Q.A.) program based on desired outcomes for a Pharmaceutical Production Services area is discussed. The article describes the determination of desired outcomes and how to put the criteria into a workable audit format. A sample audit, along with actual results obtained, illustrate the kinds of problems that can be found and corrected with this format. Calculations for determining percent compliance values, which can be summarized for quarterly hospital Q.A. reports, are also discussed. During the five months the program has been in use it has proven to be an effective method of ensuring the dispensing of high quality pharmaceuticals.