Given the fluctuations in unit dose availability as well as drug and staffing shortages, it should come as no surprise that more facilities are turning to outsourced repackagers to meet their needs. Currently a majority of academic medical centers and facilities with more than 400 beds use this service; this year saw increases in use across all facility types and sizes. In fact, the number of hospitals with fewer than 100 beds utilizing an outsourcer doubled this year. This deep marketplace provides a variety of options and most facilities rely on more than one outsourced vendor for repackaging of nonsterile products.

For more information, visit pppmag.com/automation and select Bar Coding/Unit Dose Packaging, then Outsourced Repackaging Services.

While unit dose packaging volume remains a strong determinant for outsourcing, it is notable that facilities of all sizes increased their utilization of outsourced repackagers this year.

There was a strong uptick this year in the number of facilities outsourcing at least some of their nonsterile repackaging, with more than a third of facilities now taking advantage of these services.

Most pharmacy departments look to their outsourced repackagers to serve in a supplemental role. The typical hospital outsources up to 15% of their overall repackaging.

The vast majority of facilities utilizing outsourced repackagers (77%) will continue to do so, either at current or increasing levels. Few facilities plan to reduce their current outsourcing amounts.

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

Safecor continues to lead this marketplace, followed by American Health Packaging and Unit Dose Solutions. Of note, the number of in-house centralized packaging centers is increasing; this year saw 24% of facilities taking this approach versus 17% last year.

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