Characterizing specialized compounding in community pharmacies

Compounding is a traditional role of pharmacists that declined with the availability of manufactured medicines. Compounding is now increasingly offered by community pharmacies as a specialized service, and there are calls for regulatory and practice standard changes. However, the characteristics of specialized compounding are not well understood.

The objective of this study was to conduct an in-depth exploration of the motivations, experiences, and practices of pharmacists who deliver "specialized compounding services" in Australian pharmacies.

In-depth interviews of 18 pharmacists responsible for compounding in pharmacies offering specialized compounding were conducted using a semistructured interview guide based on an organizational framework. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Characteristics of specialized compounding practice compared with routine compounding and routine dispensing were explored. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, then analyzed using the method of "constant comparison" to identify emergent themes.

Pharmacists providing specialized compounding reported that compared with their prior routine practice, they used a greater variety of ingredients and dosage forms for more clinical conditions, used different equipment and processes, and had upgraded facilities for handling compounded products. Patient and physician interactions were more involved and in the case of physicians, more collaborative compared with routine dispensing. Participants reported feeling more empowered in their roles, with improved professional satisfaction.

Pharmacists in specialized compounding pharmacies report greater collaboration and interaction with prescribers and patients compared with their routine compounding and dispensing. This contributed to perceptions of empowerment and increased professional satisfaction. Specialized compounding may also be an avenue for reprofessionalization. The organization of compounding as a specialized service should be considered in proposed changes to compounding regulations and practice standards.