Bulk compounding in Canadian hospitals--a survey.

A five-page English survey was mailed to 350 Canadian hospitals with 100+ beds to identify aspects of pharmacy bulk compounding services. The survey used open-ended questions to determine demographic and background information of the hospitals surveyed, availability of bulk compounding services and associated personnel requirements, products and dosage forms compounded, and compliance with "CSHP Guidelines for Bulk Compounding of Products in Hospitals". A 47.4 percent response rate was achieved. Sixty-six percent of respondents provided bulk compounding services. Proportionately, teaching hospitals were more likely to compound (84.6%) than other types of hospitals. Hospitals with 400+ beds were more likely to compound (85.7%) than hospitals with less than 400 beds (55.7%). No pattern was determinable for personnel requirements necessary for bulk compounding services. Items compounded most frequently were topical (80%) or oral (79.1%) preparations. Dosage forms most likely to be compounded were solutions (81.8%), ointments (69.1%) and suspensions (68.2%). Cocaine solution was the most commonly prepared product (47.3%). Compliance with CSHP standards was generally good (50-90%).