Abstract
Introduction: Pharmacy treatment for common illnesses is a policy of the National Health Security Office to reduce crowding in government hospitals and make the public have access to services. This service started 1 November 2022. It is necessary to evaluate the results of services and synthesize policy recommendations. To develop the operations of drug stores in the national health insurance system. Methods: This study is mixed methods research, divided into 4 parts: 1. Descriptive study to evaluate the results of common illness services in pharmacies. 2. Qualitative study (focus groups and interviews) to study satisfaction, obstacles and success factors. 3. Study of breakeven point and 4. Synthesis of policy recommendations. Results: There were 270,839 peoples receiving services from 1 December 2022 to 31 August 2023, 62.78% of whom were female, with an average age of 40.19± 22.15 years old. It was found that 21.08% of service customers were over 60 years old. Service customers in Health District 13, Bangkok, there were the largest number, 22.26 %. The coverage of the number of drug stores was found to be 1,067 stores located in 71 provinces, accounting for 92.21 %, and 309 districts, accounting for 33.30 %. Common illnesses which customers receive the most services include: Fever/cough/sore throat symptoms were 34.49 % followed by joint pain/muscle pain and skin rash, 19.84 % and 10.90 %, respectively. For customers whose symptoms did not improve and the pharmacist gave advice to consult a doctor, it was found to be 1.57%. The score for common illnesses before the pharmacist provided care (score out of 10) was 5.69±1.96. The score for common illnesses after the pharmacist provided care (score out of 10) was 1.35±1.67 when statistical testing was done with paired t-. test found that the service customers had a statistically significant improvement in clinical symptoms, p-value < 0.05. Pharmacists also provide care and change at-risk behavior of customers. History was taken and behavior modification recommendations were given to 6,882 customers, accounting for 2.54 %, and 28,571 times, accounting for 5.58 %. It was found that service customers had the greatest health risk in terms of food (32.96 %), followed by not exercising and insomnia, 23.51 % and 16.89 %, respectively. It was found that pharmacists dispensed an average of 2.25±0.30 medicines, with 35.93 % dispensing 2 medicines and the next 27.55 % dispensing 3 medicines. Regarding the suitability of using antibiotics for fever/cough/sore throat, diarrhea and wounds. It was found that 13.88 %, 37.35 %, and 10.27 % used antibiotics, respectively. Assessment of customers satisfaction, random number of customers were 1,037. 861 (83.03 %) were patients and 176 (16.97 %) were relatives of patients. Satisfaction assessment results were at the highest level in every aspect. Overall satisfaction with pharmacists' services at a very high satisfied level. Success factors include policy making and encouragement from the Pharmacy Council, disbursement, concept of service pharmacist, being a quality drug store, public relations, location of the store and having a network of cooperation in the community. The value from providing social services includes increasing the value of the pharmacist himself. Improving the quality of the pharmacy and adding value to the pharmacy profession, which is considered a project that raises the quality, image, and value at the individual level until the profession is truly. The break-even point of providing this service is 282 times per month or approximately 9.4 times per day. Policy recommendations include increasing coverage in the area by increasing the number of drug stores, distribution of drug stores, add a list of common illnesses, a list of medicines, and cover social security and civil service rights. Developing a referral system with other service units. Conclusion: Service for common illnesses is a service that people are most satisfied, helps increase access to public health services and should be continuously.
