Given the fluctuations that often define the repackaging of nonsterile products, it is no surprise that almost one-third of facilities (31%) rely on outsourced vendors to manage at least some of their repackaging needs.

Larger facilities are more likely to take advantage of outsourced repackaging services; more than 4 of every 10 facilities with 200+ beds utilize such a service.

Most pharmacy departments look to their outsourced repackagers to serve in a supplemental role. The typical hospital outsources up to 25% of their overall repackaging. Nevertheless, 12% of facilities outsource the majority of their repackaging.

Most vendors receive solid satisfaction ratings, although few users rate their outsourced vendors as excellent.

The vast majority of facilities outsourcing some of their repackaging will continue to do so, either at current or increasing levels. Very few facilities plan to reduce their current outsourcing amounts.

Increases in outsourced repackaging volume will not be concentrated among a single facility size.

Safecor continues to lead this marketplace, followed by American Health Packaging and Atlantic Biologicals. Of note, the number of in-house centralized packaging centers remained flat for the third year in a row.

Click here to view a larger version of this chart.

Among those facilities considering outsourcing at least some of their repackaging needs, Safecor, AHP, and Cardinal are the leading vendors under review.

Click here to view a larger version of this chart.