title: Variability in compounding of oral liquids for pediatric patients: a patient safety concern.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the degree in variation of oral liquid pediatric compounding practices in Michigan pharmacies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional survey study.
  
  
  METHODS
  All types of inpatient and outpatient pharmacies across the state of Michigan, excluding nuclear pharmacies and long-term care facilities.
  
  
  METHODS
  244 Michigan pharmacies.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online survey tool was used to assess the current compounding practices of 147 oral liquid pediatric medications. The survey was e-mailed or faxed to hospitals, chain pharmacies, and independent pharmacies. Pharmacists were also mailed a follow-up postcard, and the Michigan Pharmacists Association publicized the project through its journal and annual meeting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pharmacy demographics; number of compounding pharmacies; number of medications compounded; awareness of compounding errors; results of compounding errors; and number of concentrations compounded per medication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of respondents were from outpatient pharmacies, but inpatient and other types of pharmacies were also represented. The majority of participating pharmacies compound fewer than five oral liquid medications per week. Awareness of errors was low overall, with no errors believed to result in permanent harm or death. The number of concentrations compounded per medication ranged from 1 to 9, with the majority of pharmacies compounding more than 3 concentrations per medication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a considerable degree of variation in current oral pediatric liquid compounding practices in Michigan pharmacies. This variability poses a significant risk to patient safety.
authors: Janis M
authors: JM
authors: Rood
authors: Melanie J
authors: MJ
authors: Engels
authors: Scott L
authors: SL
authors: Ciarkowski
authors: Larry D
authors: LD
authors: Wagenknecht
authors: Chris J
authors: CJ
authors: Dickinson
authors: James G
authors: JG
authors: Stevenson
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004339:Drug Compounding / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors; D008824:Michigan; D061214:Patient Safety; D010372:Pediatrics; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010594:Pharmacies; D010595:Pharmacists
chemical_list: D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions