Studies show that poor technique or failure to follow current standards and protocols can result in injury or even death for patients requiring pharmaceuticals.
Despite the fact that pharmacy technicians perform the majority of aseptic compounding work, loss of aseptic technique and knowledge over time can result in dangerous and sterile compounding. Journal of Pharmacy TechnologyThe authors of the study then advocate continued educational efforts to address sterile formulators of compounding technicians.
Several previous studies have found that poor technique or non-adherence to current standards and protocols can result in patient injury or even death. Between 2001 and 2013, researchers identified 19 outbreaks of infections associated with synthetic sterile products. These outbreaks affected at least 1000 patients, some of whom died.
Investigators also noted that Texas is currently the only state that requires aseptic compounding training or hours of continued education for technicians who manufacture compounded aseptic products within the state. , no uniform prerequisites for hiring pharmacists currently exist.
In this study, the authors examined the association between aseptic compounding knowledge and years in the field while administering formal training in aseptic compounding techniques. They distributed an assessment tool to members of a pharmacy organization in the southeastern United States who were sterile compounding pharmacy technicians and performed a multiple regression to predict sterile compounding knowledge from years in the field and years of prior training. did.
70 evaluations were attempted and 2 were excluded due to completion or failed submissions. The majority of participants were women, and the most common level of education among participants was a program diploma. Training hours range from 0 to 240 hours, working years range from 1 to 28 years, and evaluation points range from 18 to 30 points.
According to the study, participants with a bachelor’s degree scored higher on average, followed closely by those with an associate’s degree. Program diplomas and high school graduates scored lower.
Researchers also found that length of experience was a statistically significant predictor of knowledge retention. We found that knowledge test scores decreased by 0.18 points for each additional year of work experience. However, we found that the number of formal training hours is not important for prediction.
One potential explanation could be knowledge loss due to behavioral modeling seen in other pharmacy staff. The researchers explained that employees replicated behaviors seen in their surroundings, and new pharmacy technicians could be particularly prone to this. skills and knowledge are lost because they are not
“Not being corrected for unsatisfactory processes encourages the continuation of such practices and creates a sense of expected acceptance of all formulated products,” the authors explained.
To avoid this loss of knowledge, the authors noted that compulsory continuing education at predetermined intervals may be required. Implementing knowledge retention strategies in the workplace may also ameliorate knowledge loss, and providing incentives to keep sterile formulation practices up to date may be effective.
This may include access to continuing education credits or financial bonuses. In addition, researchers said it may be necessary to appoint someone to oversee knowledge retention activities, such as identifying employees who are underperforming at work.
“Every aspect of the sterile compounding process is critical to patient safety, so even a small loss of capacity is a significant concern in sterile compounding,” wrote the study’s authors. “The results of this study should be of interest to all pharmacy staff.”
reference
David J., and Ayars C. Retention of sterile compounding knowledge among compounding technicians. J Pharm Technol. October 2021;37(5):219-224. July 20, 2021. Accessed September 13, 2022. doi:10.1177/87551225211032395
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