Outcomes of Implementing a Revised Dispensing System for Schedule II Controlled Substances in Inpatient Pharmacy Services, Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani Province
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Abstract
Schedule II controlled substances are high-risk drugs if misused or overdosed. Therefore, it is very necessary to manage the risks from their use. Objectives: To develop a dispensing system for Schedule II controlled substances by evaluating drug utilization, drug returns, regulatory compliance, staff satisfaction, and system quality according to the CIPP Model. Materials and methods: This evaluative research was conducted from January 2023 to January 2025 in three phases: before system improvement, during system implementation, and evaluation phase. The study samples included inpatient prescription data of Schedule II controlled substances and ward personnel by questionnaire. The sample size of ward staff was calculated using Yamane’s formula from a population of 675, giving 270 samples. The research tools were dispensing reports, the IPserve program, narcotic drug return forms, a compliance assessment form, a satisfaction assessment form, and a questionnaire under the CIPP Model framework, using a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: After the system improvement, the number of prescriptions increased from 445,448 to 498,623 (an increase of 11.9%), but actual drug utilization decreased from 101,932 to 96,125 ampuls/syringes (a decrease of 5.7%). At the same time, drug returns increased from 53 to 14,602 ampuls/syringes, and the completeness of returns within 24 hours rose to 99.26%. Meanwhile, the dispensing and storage system was developed to a higher standard. Staff satisfaction was at a very good level (48.15%). Evaluation according to the CIPP Model showed every component at the level of agree/strongly agree. Conclusion: The improved dispensing system reduced unnecessary drug use, increased drug returns, enhanced safety and transparency in the management of controlled substances, and created satisfaction among staff.
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