Developing entry-level competencies in sterile product preparation: an emerging challenge for pharmacy schools and experiential practice sites.

Purpose: Factors influencing the decision of hospital experiential sites to allow advanced pharmacy practice education (APPE) students to compound parenteral admixtures during their rotation experience were evaluated.

Methods: A survey was sent via e-mail to APPE sites used by Illinois Pharmacy Coalition schools in spring 2011. One preceptor from each site was identified to complete the survey.

Results: Of the 166 surveys delivered, 89 responses (53.6%) were obtained, and 1 participant opted out. Forty respondents (45%) reported an average daily census of ≤ 100 patients. The majority of respondents (n = 49, 55%) had an average daily census of at least 100 patients. The majority of the reporting facilities (n = 38, 43%) were classified as community nonteaching hospitals. All of the practice sites had a cleanroom, a compounding aseptic isolator (glove box), or both. A total of 19 respondents (21%) indicated that their facilities did not permit APPE students to prepare sterile admixtures. Extensive training requirements established by hospitals was the most common reason cited for not allowing students to prepare admixtures (63%), followed by liability concerns (56%) and the cost and time associated with media-fill and glove fingertip testing (38% and 31%, respectively).

Conclusion: The results of a survey of preceptors at a sample of APPE practice sites indicated that 21% did not allow pharmacy students to prepare sterile admixtures. Extensive training requirements, liability concerns, and the cost and time associated with media-fill and glove fingertip testing were cited as the most common reasons for not allowing students to prepare admixtures.