Course Overview

Sterile compounding in pharmacy is essential for providing safe, high-quality products to patients. In this course, you will learn the core principles of safe compounding practices. You will explore the practical application of NAPRA and Health Canada’s directives, as well as policies regarding manufacturing and compounding of medications. You will develop foundational knowledge in compounding methods, safe use of parenteral compounded products, formulation stability and risk assessment. You will come to appreciate the need for organizational investment in new technologies and staff specializations such as informatics and quality assurance.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand Core Principles of Safe Compounding

• Define the key principles of sterile compounding and explain their importance in patient safety and quality assurance.

2. Apply Regulatory Guidelines

• Describe and apply the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and Health Canada’s guidelines related to sterile compounding practices.

3. Perform Compounding Techniques Safely

• Describe proper sterile compounding techniques and identify factors impacting the safety and stability of compounded medications.

4. Assess Formulation Stability and Risk

• Evaluate the stability of various formulations and conduct risk assessments for parenteral compounded products.

5. Understand Organizational Roles and Investments

• Analyze the impact of organizational investments in technology, staff training, and specialization roles (e.g., informatics and quality assurance) on the effectiveness of sterile compounding.

Competencies

Upon completing the course, students will have developed competencies in:

1. Technical Skill in Sterile Compounding

• Describe aseptic techniques, operate compounding equipment, and maintain a sterile environment.

2. Regulatory Knowledge

• Knowledge of relevant NAPRA and Health Canada regulations and policies for safe and compliant compounding practices.

3. Quality Control and Risk Management

• Skills in evaluating product stability, conducting risk assessments, and implementing quality control measures for compounded products.

4. Professional Responsibility and Ethics

• Understanding of ethical and professional responsibilities in ensuring patient safety and maintaining compliance with standards.

5. Informatics and Quality Assurance Awareness

• Awareness of the roles of health informatics and quality assurance in advancing the safety and effectiveness of sterile compounding practices.

Who should take this course?

• Pharmacy Directors, managers and supervisors
• Community pharmacists
• Hospital pharmacists
• Pharmacy technicians
• Pharmacy students
• Pharmacy technician students
• Quality assurance personnel
• Veterinarians

Instructors