The Effects of a Medication Refilling System Development for schizophrenia patients, Muang Primary Care Center, Muang District, UdonThani Province

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of a medication refilling system on psychiatric symptoms, drug-related problems (DRPs), medication adherence, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and patient satisfaction among patients with schizophrenia. A one-group pre-test–post-test design was applied. The study participants were 25 patients with schizophrenia who received medication refilling services at a Muang Primary Care Center between January 1 and March 31, 2025. Data were collected using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), a Drug related problems (DRPs) form, medication adherence assessments using the MTB-Thai questionnaire and pill count method, an ADRs recording form, and a patient satisfaction questionnaire. The instruments demonstrated acceptable content validity (IOC = 0.76) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.75).  Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (paired t-test and McNemar’s test) were used for data analysis.
          The results showed that most participants were male (64.0%), aged 35–60 years (76.0%), single (64.0%), unemployed (48.0%), and without income (40.0%). After implementation of the medication refilling system, BPRS scores significantly decreased (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients with DRPs significantly declined from 72.0% to 24.0% (p = 0.006). Medication adherence assessed by MTB-Thai and pill count significantly improved (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Adverse drug reactions significantly decreased from 60.0% to 24.0% (p = 0.012). Patient satisfaction with the medication refilling service was high (98.4%).

          In conclusion, the medication refilling system improves medication adherence, reduces drug-related problems and adverse effects, ensures continuity of treatment, and leads to improved control of disease symptoms.