DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.168935.2 ISSN: 2046-1402

Pharmacy Practice of Extemporaneous Preparations; A Comprehending Operational Services within Some Iraqi Hospitals

Rawasy Fadhil Abed, Manal Khalid Abdulridha
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Background Extemporaneous compounding preparations are a critical component of pharmacy practice, customizing therapy for patients whose needs cannot be met by commercially available products. Despite this clinical necessity, hospital pharmacists in many low- and middle-income countries, including Iraq, face persistent practical barriers — limited equipment, undefined protocols, and variable training — that constrain their ability to deliver this service safely and consistently. Data on the operational standards and the challenges pharmacists face in performing such practice in Iraqi hospitals are still limited. Objective To evaluate the nature and extent of extemporaneous compounding preparations and explore the challenges of pharmacists’ ability to practice compounding services. Methods An observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study encompassing 25 hospital pharmacies and 70 pharmacists was conducted. A five-section checklist was used (pharmacist characteristics, nature and extent of extemporaneous compounding, requirements for extemporaneous compounding, challenges against compounding practice, and pharmacists’ opinions). Results Pediatricians requested orders was (45.76%), sterile preparations (69.56%) for compound dosage forms. The primary service was the reconstitution or processing of readymade commercial formulations (71.43%). Most of compounded preparations were labeled (92%). The compounding protocols depended on physician’s order (82.5%). Only (48%) of hospitals possess laminar airflow hoods for aseptic operations, whereas (72%) were equipped with personal protective equipment. The primary challenge against pharmacists was the lack of specific equipment or supplies (91.43%), their self-confidence in preparing products was (40.0%), and professional satisfaction was (34.29%). Conclusions The findings of this study indicate that most hospital pharmacies lack standardized extemporaneous preparation services and that pharmacists’ professional judgments and perceptions are influenced by their personal and workplace facilities.

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