Objective: To investigate the operation status of pharmacy intravenous admixture service (PIVAS) in children’s (maternal and child) hospitals in China

so as to provide reference for further standardizing the PIVAS work model. Methods: Questionnaire survey was performed with 16 PIVAS managers from children’ s (maternal and child) hospitals in China

and the survey results were statistically analyzed. Results: The PIVAS facilities in the 16 hospitals had areas ranging from 80 to 800 m2

with an average daily compounding volume per person ranging from 17 to 200 sets. The personnel composition of 12 PIVAS followed the pharmacy-nursing combination model

while 4 followed the single pharmacist model. Intravenous medical orders were reviewed in all 16 PIVAS

4 of which were reviewed by clinical pharmacists. PIVAS operations covered a wide range of departments and types of drugs

with prescription types including intravenous infusion

intravenous push

and patient-controlled analgesia pumps. Only 4 PIVAS were equipped with automated drug dispensing robots

which were relatively low level of automation. In 16 PIVAS

there were some common issues of drug dosage adjustment

drug combination and drug surplus. The compounding fees for PIVAS varied significantly across regions

with standard fees per set ranging from 15. 00 to 90. 00 yuan for parenteral nutrition solution

8. 00 to 40. 00 yuan for cytotoxic drugs

0 to 10. 00 yuan for antibiotics

and 0 to 9. 00 yuan for other common drugs. Conclusion: PIVAS work model in children’s (maternal and child) hospitals has its own characteristics

which also faces challenges such as low numbers of PIVAS

shortage of professional personnel

heavy workloads

complexity of operations

low automation levels and low compounding fees. Hospitals with existing or planned PIVAS facilities should pay special attention to addressing these issues