For pharmacies in the compounding business, an attractive, centrally located clean room that is visible to patients will cost more to construct than one tucked away in the back of the pharmacy. However, such a room will generate substantial return on investment, propel business growth, and market the pharmacy as an innovator.

A patient looks on as pharmacists prepare prescriptions in the centrally located clean room at Johnson Compounding & Wellness Center, Waltham, Mass. (Photo courtesy of lipofsky.com)

The expense of designing and constructing a clean room, which must be USP 797-compliant to ensure complete conformity with federal and state regulations, is significant. The cost can exceed $100,000, but the rewards are well worth it: You are giving patients the ability to watch their prescriptions being filled, gaining their confidence in the cleanliness of the facility, reinforcing their perceptions of the staff's professionalism, and generating more business.

Here are some pointers on how your pharmacy can get the most out of its clean room:

• Glass is king. Open up the space by using large windows. Windows confer a level of transparency that gives patients confidence in the compounded medications and in the cleanliness of the facility. A clean room that is prominently located and fully visible can serve as the high point when patients and physicians tour your pharmacy. The transparent nature of the clean room also helps keep staff compliant with procedures and regulations.
• Stainless steel means clean. Use aesthetically appealing surfaces, including stainless steel; in patients' minds, it confers a high level of hygiene.
• Central location is best. The room should be put in the center of the pharmacy; patients should not be required to walk through the entire store to see it because, inevitably, they won't.
• Kill the clutter. Make the space visually appealing by eliminating clutter, including unnecessary equipment. A cluttered clean room tells patients your pharmacy is not meticulous.
• Validate what goes on inside. Ensure that the personnel in the clean room are well trained and that the practices are fully USP-797 compliant, because the whole world will be looking.
• Get accredited. Obtaining accreditation from the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board demonstrates to the public and the medical community that the pharmacy meets the highest of quality standards.
• Choose experienced contractors. Select an architect and builder who are experienced with clean rooms and knowledgeable about all pertinent regulations.