Mechanisms for Network Operation and Community Participation for the Surveillance System of Drugs and Health Products in Communities: Case Study of Phayao, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the mechanisms of network operation and community participation in the pharmacovigilance system for drugs and health products in the communities within Phayao, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai. Methods: This qualitative research collected data through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study selected informants by purposive sampling and snowball sampling. Forty-four informants included pharmacists from provincial health offices, hospital pharmacists, district health officers, sub-district health promoting hospital officers, members of the District Health Board (DHB), representatives of provincial consumer council, business owners, village health volunteers, and community members. Results: The key mechanisms in the network operation include: 1) Diversity of network members from various sectors who were core members of the local networks; 2) Competent coordinators at all levels who had well-established relationships within the communities; 3) Adequate supports for budget, materials, and equipment for conducting community activities; 4) Systematic management through DHB committees, or local community agreements; 5) Rapid communication within the network with convenient and fast channels appropriate to activities with prompt responses from network leaders and coordinators; and 6) Having a public sector network working together at any level. Key mechanisms to promote community participation include: 1) Raising awareness of the problems by feeding the evidence of health problems and impacts back the communities; 2) Organizing a variety of activities to stimulate continuous participation among network members; and 3) Emphasizing the value of members through praise, recognition, and acceptance. Conclusion: The network operational and community participation mechanisms found in the study contribute to the strength and efficiency of the community-based pharmacovigilance system for drugs and health products.