Evaluation of a medicine delivery system of Sunpasitthiprasong hospital in COVID-19 outbreak situation

Abstract

Background:

From the COVID-19 outbreak situation, Sappasitthiprasong Hospital has a policy which allows outpatients with chronic diseases receive medication continuously by mail to reduce the risk of infection and decrease congestion in hospitals. There is a screening system from the examination room and additional contact channels to request medicine by mail. There are a large number of patients receiving these services. Therefore, the researcher aimed to evaluate the hospital's mail medicine delivery system in the situation of the COVID-19 outbreak in order to improve the service system.

Methods:

Study design was a mixed method. Data were collected both quantitatively and qualitatively according to the study’s objectives divided into 3 parts: 1) a study of medical personnel's opinions on the mail medicine delivery system, 2) an analysis of medication error data found from mail medicine delivery, 3) a study of patient satisfaction.

Results:

The results of interviews with medical personnel revealed that the success of mail delivery of medicines depended on hospital policies and the support of administrators with a clear goal to reduce congestion and reduce the risk of infection. This requires the participation of a multidisciplinary team. However, to perform the service, patient risk or safety must be taken into account. Therefore, discrepancies that have occurred have been compiled in order to develop clear guidelines to prevent future risks. A survey of patient satisfaction with mail delivery of medicines found that it was quite high. The overall satisfaction with the postal medicine delivery service was 96.55% and 97.44% of patients were interested in receiving the postal medicine delivery service again.

Conclusion:

The postal medicine delivery system should be developed in conjunction with telemedicine and telepharmacy systems to ensure patient safety. It will also be a channel to help patients in remote areas access the health system more conveniently.