Development of Drug Management System at Service Demonstration Center, Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 7, Khon Kaen

Abstract

During operations at the Demonstration Service Center, Disease Prevention and Control Office 7 in Khon Kaen which provides treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and immunization services. However, issues with expired drugs have been identified. This research is mixed methods research aims to develop a drug inventory management system and reducing losses from expired medications by using the Design Thinking process. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, near-expiry drug report forms (within 6 months), and expired drug report forms. The study period spanned from 13 August 2023 to 31 July 2024. The sample group consists of personnel involved in drug inventory management at the Service Demonstration Center, Office of Disease Prevention and Control 7, Khon Kaen. Qualitative analysis was conducted using content analysis and quantitative analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and nonparametric statistics (Wilcoxon Sign Rank test). The implementation of the drug inventory management system resulted in reduction in value of expired medications. For instance, in January 2024, an estimated 1,448 baht worth of expired medications was reduced to 700 baht (51.66% reduction). No expired medications were observed from February to May 2024, achieving a 100% reduction. The estimated expired value of 13,598 baht in July was reduced to 892 baht, a 93.44% reduction. A statistically significant difference between estimated and actual expired medication values was observed (P-value = 0.028). The development of a drug inventory management system significantly reduced the value of expired medications, particularly after a six-month stabilization period. Future studies could explore integrating advanced digital solutions for automated inventory forecasting or to determine appropriate procurement quantities more accurately.

Keywords:  Development, Drug inventory management system, Expired drugs