An Overview of Pharmaceutical Production in Thai Hospitals

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to provide an overview of pharmaceutical production in Thai hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was developed to study pharmaceutical production in the 1347 Thai hospitals. A representative sample was chosen using multistep selection arriving at a final total of 750 hospitals. Five experts in hospital pharmacy production were recruited to evaluate the content validity. The questionnaire consisted of 2 parts: (1) general details of the hospitals and (2) the type of pharmaceutical products. The latter classification were further divided into 6 types: (1) nonsterile products, (2) extemporaneous preparations, (3) total parenteral nutrition, (4) intravenous admixtures, (5) cytotoxic preparations, and (6) herbal medicine products. All data were analyzed via descriptive statistics. Results: From the 750 questionnaires sent out, 395 hospitals (52.67%) responded to the questionnaires. Regarding the 395 respondent sample group, approximately 60% of the hospitals were involved in pharmaceutical production. The top 3 pharmaceutical products were as follows: (1) cytotoxic preparations (315 items); (2) liquid nonsterile preparations (60 items), and (3) liquid extemporaneous preparations (52 items). The most frequently mentioned reasons for the production of each dosage form were as follows: (1) no commercially available product in appropriate dosage form or strength needed and (2) product was prepared following the hospital’s policy. The support needs in hospital pharmacy production were revealed as follows: (1) master formula, (2) quality assurance and quality control processes, (3) equipment, (4) standard references, (5) buildings, (6) personnel, (7) budget, (8) raw material suppliers, and (9) the coordination between the faculties of pharmaceutical sciences and hospitals. Conclusions: Approximately 60% of the respondents had pharmaceutical production in their hospitals. The greatest need for support was for a master formula to inform hospital-based pharmaceutical production. These findings provide essential information, especially for stakeholders, to understand the professional challenges and likely pharmaceutically related health service changes in the future.

Enhancing extemporaneous preparations in Thai Hospitals: exploring variation, common formulations, and challenges and needs related to extemporaneous preparations

“…The study population comprised 395 hospitals in Thailand that reported having on-premise pharmaceutical production facilities. These hospitals were selected based on their prior participation in a comprehensive survey conducted by Pichayajittipong et al 19 These hospitals were included to gather robust data and valuable insights regarding extemporaneous pharmaceutical production practices within the country. This meticulous approach ensured the representation of a diverse and representative sample of hospitals engaged in pharmaceutical production, thereby enhancing the validity and generalizability of the findings.…”

“…18 Furthermore, Pitchayajittipong et al reported that extemporaneous preparations constitute the highest number of pharmaceutical products in Thai hospitals. 19 This study aimed to address the existing gap in comprehensive reporting by investigating the extent of variation in extemporaneous preparations in Thai hospitals. Through a meticulous examination of the current state of practice, identification of challenges, and exploration of potential areas for improvement, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the distinctive landscape of compounding in Thailand compared with other countries.…”