Pharmacy compounding services: A qualitative exploration of operational management and professional relationships in community pharmacies in Bahir Dar town
{"title":"Pharmacy compounding services: A qualitative exploration of operational management and professional relationships in community pharmacies in Bahir Dar town","authors":"Liknaw Workie Limenh , Nigus Kassie Worku , Mihret Melese , Assefa Kebad Mengesha , Gizachew Kassahun Bizuneh , Eneyew Talie Fenta , Mickiale Hailu , Alemwork Abie , Molla Getie Mehari , Tenagnework Eseyneh Dagnaw , Amare Mebrat Delie","doi":"10.1016/j.cptl.2025.102406","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Providing non-commercially available medications to elderly, young patients, or infants is crucial for those with special needs. However, many pharmacies lack this service. This study aimed to qualitatively investigate operational management and professional relationships regarding compounding services at community pharmacies in Bahir Dar city.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>From September 1 to 30, 2023, an exploratory design was employed to conduct a qualitative investigation of operational management and professional relationships in compounding services. The data was gathered through in-depth interviews. Every interview was captured on audio by the lead researcher and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was carried out using NVivo 11 software.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study developed two main themes, six subthemes, and seventeen categories. The main themes focus on pharmacy professionals' experiences and motivations regarding compounding. It highlights that pharmacy compounding is essential for providing customized medications and can impact a pharmacy's financial performance. Success relies on effective management of compounding services, including operations, prescription protocols, and technology. Furthermore, strong relationships with prescribers and patients are crucial in a competitive landscape where pharmacies aim to offer unique, high-quality customized medications.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The research highlights the importance of pharmacy compounding and external relationships in providing high-quality, customized medications. To succeed in a competitive market, pharmacies should prioritize exceptional customer service tailored to individual patient needs. Additionally, fostering collaboration can help improve the quality of compounding services. Adhering to regulatory guidelines is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of compounded medications, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that integrates business growth and patient care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47501,"journal":{"name":"Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning","volume":"17 9","pages":"Article 102406"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3000,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877129725001273","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Providing non-commercially available medications to elderly, young patients, or infants is crucial for those with special needs. However, many pharmacies lack this service. This study aimed to qualitatively investigate operational management and professional relationships regarding compounding services at community pharmacies in Bahir Dar city.
Methods
From September 1 to 30, 2023, an exploratory design was employed to conduct a qualitative investigation of operational management and professional relationships in compounding services. The data was gathered through in-depth interviews. Every interview was captured on audio by the lead researcher and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was carried out using NVivo 11 software.
Results
This study developed two main themes, six subthemes, and seventeen categories. The main themes focus on pharmacy professionals' experiences and motivations regarding compounding. It highlights that pharmacy compounding is essential for providing customized medications and can impact a pharmacy's financial performance. Success relies on effective management of compounding services, including operations, prescription protocols, and technology. Furthermore, strong relationships with prescribers and patients are crucial in a competitive landscape where pharmacies aim to offer unique, high-quality customized medications.
Conclusion
The research highlights the importance of pharmacy compounding and external relationships in providing high-quality, customized medications. To succeed in a competitive market, pharmacies should prioritize exceptional customer service tailored to individual patient needs. Additionally, fostering collaboration can help improve the quality of compounding services. Adhering to regulatory guidelines is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of compounded medications, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that integrates business growth and patient care.