Design Considerations of a Compounded Sterile Preparations Course

Abstract

Objective. To design a comprehensive learning and assessment environment for the practical application of compounded sterile preparations using a constructivist approach. Design. Compounded Sterile Preparations Laboratory is a required 1-credit course that builds upon the themes of training aseptic technique typically used in health system settings and threads application of concepts from other courses in the curriculum. Students used critical-thinking skills to devise appropriate strategies to compound sterile preparations. Assessment. Aseptic technique skills were assessed with objective, structured, checklist-based rubrics. Most students successfully completed practical assessments using appropriate technique (mean assessment grade583.2%). Almost all students passed the practical media fill (98%) and gloved fingertip sampling (86%) tests on the first attempt; all passed on the second attempt. Conclusion. Employing a constructivist scaffold approach to teaching proper hygiene and aseptic technique prepared students to pass media fill and gloved fingertip tests and to perform well on practical compounding assessments.

Instructional and Assessment Redesign of a Sterile Compounding Course Using Immersive Simulation

“…Similar to most sterile compounding courses, the initial offering of the course used a written examination to assess the didactic elements of the course and a practicum to assess hand hygiene/ garbing technique, aseptic technique, and compounding accuracy. 1 For cohort 2, three checkpoint assessments of fundamental skills were conducted, including a calculations examination, hand hygiene and garbing, and glove tip and media fill test. Successful integration of fundamental skills was assessed using a formative mock objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in the last laboratory session, followed by a summative final OSCE two weeks later.…”

“…As of 2019, 70% of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs in the United States require students to be able to independently compound sterile preparations prior to starting advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs), but only 20% of pharmacy schools offer a standalone course devoted to sterile compounding. 1,2 To reinforce current United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards pertaining to sterile compounding, most notably those contained within USP chapter ,797., the vast majority of instruction time is spent teaching and assessing aseptic technique, hand washing and garbing, and pharmaceutical calculations. 2 Proper training of future pharmacists is fundamentally important for the safety of patients.…”

“…Prior to the 2016-2017 academic year, the course roadmap was similar to that of other programs, focusing primarily on the development of technical skills, most notably aseptic technique. 1,2 Student knowledge and skills were assessed using a laboratory practicum that evaluated aseptic technique and preparation accuracy, and administering a written examination. In spring 2016, the course team was changed to include the addition of a pharmacist and technician who had 25 years of combined experience in sterile compounding.…”

Sterile Compounding Knowledge, Skills, and Confidence Among Graduating Doctor of Pharmacy Students

“…Additional considerations when determining curricular coverage of sterile compounding may be to incorporate quality assurance measures such as gloved fingertip sampling to objectively assess students' handwashing, garbing and gowning skills, and end product sterility or potency testing to assess student accuracy and aseptic technique. 5,13,14,18,19 The inclusion of immersive simulation techniques that comprise real world scenarios and practical challenges may serve to develop students' problem solving abilities, enhance skill retention, promote practice readiness, and ultimately ensure patient safety. 16,17…”

The Role of a Simulation-Based Activity on Student Perceptions of Parenteral Nutrition Education

“…Moreover, the NAPLEX tests on students' knowledge of compatibility and stability characteristics of sterile products, which may include PN [12]. Sterile compounding courses have incorporated the preparation of PN [13,14]. However, sterile compounding courses require extensive planning, time, physical space, supplies, and trained personnel.…”