What should be prioritized when developing a sterile compounding policy?

When developing a sterile compounding policy, prioritizing compliance with regulations, best practices, and risk management strategies is essential for ensuring the safety and efficacy of compounded sterile preparations. Compliance with established regulations, such as those set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), is critically important as it sets the standards for sterile compounding practices. This includes maintaining proper aseptic techniques, ensuring that facilities meet the required cleanliness and environmental controls, and adhering to guidelines intended to minimize the risk of contamination.

Risk management strategies complement compliance efforts by assessing potential hazards and implementing measures to mitigate them. This includes developing protocols for handling recalls, managing equipment failures, and training personnel on safe handling practices. It supports not only the safety of the patients receiving compounded medications but also the protection of the healthcare workers involved in the compounding process.

Other priorities, such as cost reduction strategies or employee satisfaction initiatives, while important in their own right, do not take precedence in the context of sterile compounding. The primary concern must always remain on patient safety and adherence to regulatory standards, as failure to comply with these can lead to serious adverse events. Preparing for emergencies is indeed advantageous, but it is considered part of a broader risk management strategy that is inherently linked to compliance with regulations and