Evaluation of the type and frequency of extemporaneous formulations dispensed in hospital and community pharmacies

Background: Extemporaneous compounding is practiced globally by pharmacists to allow for dispensing of personalised doses of medicinal products not commercially available. Extemporaneous compounding must result in a product which is safe and effective. However, data on formulation and expiry of extemporaneous products may not be readily available. Pharmacists access various resources including compounding databases to obtain information on composition, preparation, and expiry of extemporaneous preparations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the type and frequency of extemporaneous compounding in hospital and community pharmacies in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and to obtain contemporary information on compounding practices and resources used. Methods: All community and hospital pharmacists registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, were invited to participate in an on-line survey. The study was approved by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) research ethics committee. Results: A total of 202 pharmacists responded to the survey, of which 145 were community-based, 52 hospital-based, and 5 practicing in both. On average, hospital and community pharmacists (n = 138) dispensed