Effectiveness of Remote Inspection of Establishments for Health Products and Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Chachoengsao Province

Abstract

Objective: To study the results from remote inspection of establishments for health products and health services in the epidemic situation of COVID-19 in Chachoengsao Province. Method: The researcher collected quantitative data using the questionnaire to measure the opinions of 115 licensees of the establishments of health products and services (the establishments) remotely inspected.  The opinions surveyed were on the context, inputs, processes and outcomes of remote inspection of establishments. The qualitative research was conducted by interviewing 15 remote inspectors on their opinions on such audits. The study also compared the audit results of 45 establishments undergoing 2 times of inspection, first with remote assessment and the second with on-site inspection, 1-3 days apart. These establishments were divided into 3 groups including those on drug, food, private sanatorium, with 15 establishments on each. Results: Licensees who had undergone remote inspections of establishments strongly agreed with it in terms of context, input, process and outcomes. The auditors agreed with remote inspection in the situation of the COVID-19 epidemic. However, there were some limitations in terms of equipment and rooms for conducting remote inspections. Comparison of the scores from remote and on-site inspections of the establishments showed no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Remote inspections of establishments for health products and health services can be an effective alternative under the COVID-19 epidemic situation.