The development of drug disbursement system from hospital to Sub-district Health Promoting Hospitals in Chiang Yuen District, Mahasarakham Province

Abstract

This action research aimed to develop a drug disbursement system from Chiang Yuen Hospital to sub-district health promoting hospitals in Chiang Yuen District, Mahasarakham Province. Participants included 10 staff from primary care units and 3 hospital personnel responsible for pharmaceutical inventory. Data were collected using structured forms during two periods: before (October–December 2023) and after (October–December 2024) system improvement. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The improved system reduced activity from 7 to 4 (42.86%) and average cycle time from 13.6 days (SD = 3.86) to 6.55 days (SD = 0.98), a 51.84% reduction, using the ECRS principle (Eliminate, Combine, Rearrange, Simplify). The average drug requisition value decreased from 446,841.22 THB to 376,017.45 THB, saving 70,823.77 THB or 15.85%. Applying Lean principles enhanced efficiency, minimized waste, and reduced staff workload. The approach can be adapted to improve other healthcare services.