Pharmacy Stars platform drives systemwide standardization in compounding competencies

Authors: Heidi Yanoski and Adam Castro

Over the past year, the transition of Geisinger’s aseptic technique competencies to the Pharmacy Stars® online platform was successfully completed, with the official launch occurring on March 1, 2025. This initiative involved extensive cross-departmental planning and customization to meet systemwide requirements. Instructional resources — including videos, quizzes and slide decks — were developed to support specialized competency templates and distinct competency groups for nonhazardous, hazardous and chemotherapeutic compounders. End-user training sessions were facilitated for site leadership across all locations for smooth, effective implementation.

The shift to Pharmacy Stars has significantly strengthened the Inpatient Pharmacy team’s ability to deliver standardized, high-quality education and training. This transition aligns with the advanced cleanroom monitoring protocols introduced in 2024. In addition to managing competencies, Pharmacy Stars is now used to document cleanroom cleaning activities and monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and pressurization. These functions support consistent regulatory compliance and streamlined reporting across the health system.

In parallel, collaboration with the Outpatient Pharmacy team led to the development of a customized module in Pharmacy Stars tailored to outpatient operational needs. Each retail pharmacy now uses individualized environmental monitoring and cleaning workflows, modeled after inpatient practices. While the structural framework mirrors inpatient processes, outpatient staff competencies are primarily focused on nonsterile compounding techniques and pharmaceutical calculations.

To support compliance with the USP <797> guidelines released in 2023 — which introduced specific competency standards for aseptic technique and hand hygiene — targeted training modules were implemented within Pharmacy Stars. The platform was also extended to include nursing colleagues specializing in allergy dilutions at outpatient allergy clinics. Plans are underway to further expand Pharmacy Stars to encompass more nursing specialties, including home infusion, reinforcing an interdisciplinary approach to safe and standardized compounding practices.

Through this expansion, Pharmacy Stars plays a central role in standardizing compounding processes across Enterprise Pharmacy. The platform promotes systemwide consistency, quality assurance and alignment with regulatory standards, supporting the delivery of safe and effective pharmaceutical care.