Study of Medication Management System of Public Health Center, Health Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

Abstract

Objective: To study the success factors in the medication management system of the accredited Public Health Centers (PHCs). Method: This study employed in-depth interviews to collect the data from 9 pharmacists working in the accredited PHCs in Bangkok. Subsequently, content analysis was conducted to study the success factors in the management of drug system in the PHCs. Results: The success factors of the four domains of drug system management were as follows: 1) Planning and management: The factors that led the Drug System Board to oversee, plan, and resolve problems in drug system consistently and clearly included team working or collaborative management of drug systems, commitment from the management and positive attitude among personnel in the PHCs. 2) Inventory control: the important factor was the system for monitoring and controlling the quality of medicines and medical supplies especially recording and monitoring temperature-humidity in the dispensary, storage room, refrigerators for drug storage and the specification of months of stock for drugs and medical supplies not more than 3 months. 3) Prescribing and communication: key factor was having a committee for setting up a communication standard for medication orders, transfer of medication orders and practice guideline when the drug is ordered. The PHCs circulated the guideline to full-time and part-time physicians in order to reduce the risk of errors and adverse events. 4) Preparing, dispensing and administering medication: The important factor was pharmacists’ reviews of medication orders before drug preparation by comparing prescriptions and history of drug use in medical records, and the access of patients’ information through information system of the PHCs. Conclusion: Many units in the PHCs involved in the management of drug system. In order to achieve the goals and continuous improvement, it is crucial to have cooperation from the staff in the PHCs, positive attitudes among the staff, commitment from the management, clear practice guidelines, and having information technology support.