Assessment of practice and perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding the contribution of inappropriate pharmaceutical compounding to adverse drug events (ADEs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Pharmaceutical compounding, a practice of tailoring medications to individual patient needs, is integral to healthcare but poses potential risks, including adverse drug events (ADEs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Understanding healthcare professionals' knowledge and perceptions on these issues is crucial for enhancing patient safety. This study aimed to assess the practice and perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding the contribution of inappropriate pharmaceutical compounding to ADEs and AMR at Pawi General Hospital in the Metekel Zone, Benishangul-Gumuz Region. A crossectional study design was employed, involving a self-administered questionnaire distributed to healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, physicians, and nurses. STATA version 17 was used for analysis. Descriptive Analysis was used to summarize demographic characteristics of participants. The normality of the data was tested using a Shapiro wilk test. The mean standard deviations (SD) and percentages (%) of the variables were calculated. The study was conducted among 120 healthcare professionals actively involved in patient care and pharmaceutical services within the hospital. The result of the study indicates varying levels of practice among healthcare professionals. The perceptions on the contribution of inappropriate compounding to ADEs and AMR differ across disciplines. The majority (75.83%) of the respondents deemed compounded medications in patient care as very important. A significant majority (61.67%) of respondents expressed being very concerned about the contribution of inappropriately compounded medication to AMR and ADEs. This study indicated the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance healthcare professionals' understanding of inappropriate pharmaceutical compounding risks. The development of standardized training programs, regular updates on best practices, and collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals is essential for promoting patient safety, minimizing adverse events, and contributing to effective antimicrobial stewardship.