Community Pharmacists' Perspectives on Delivering Minor Ailment Services under the National Health Security System

Abstract

Objective: To study the perspectives of community pharmacists on motivation to participate in the minor ailment services project of pharmacies in the National Health Security System, as well as problems and barriers, success factors, suggestion of further improvement, and social value of participation in the project. Method: This qualitative study collected data from 13 pharmacists who participated in the project through face-to-face interviews and 2 rounds of focus groups with 17 new informants from all health regions. Results: The main motivations for participation in the project included the need to help patients, professional development, decreasing public health problems of hospital overcrowding, and promoting the pharmacy business. Meanwhile, the identified barriers were patients’ misunderstanding of the service and technical problems in the service system. The success factors of the project included support from the government, effective management, and cooperation from community networks. The social value of the service provision found in this study included helping to enhance the professional image of pharmacists and improving the patients’ quality of life, as well as reducing hospital overcrowding. Suggestions for further improvement of the project included improving the technology system, expanding the coverage to other health benefit schemes, and training related personnel to provide quality services. Future research should focus on long-term evaluation and improving the pharmacy management system. The data from this study can be used to improve public health policies and promote the expansion of the role of pharmacists in Thai health system. Conclusion: The provision of minor ailment care services in pharmacies under the National Health Security System promotes pharmacists to provide services according to professional standards. This is regarded as an improvement in pharmacy services, and value addition for community pharmacists and pharmacy profession, leading to the benefit of public and society. Therefore, there should be continuous support from the government for this project to ensure sustainability for this service.