Antibiotics Smart Use: a workable model for promoting the rational use of medicines in Thailand
Nithima Sumpradit, Pisonthi Chongtrakul, Kunyada Anuwong, Somying Pumtong, Kedsenee Kongsomboon, Parichart Butdeemee, Jurairat Khonglormyati, Santi Chomyong, Parnuchote Tongyoung, Suraphol Losiriwat, Piyanooch Seesuk, Pongthep Suwanwaree & Viroj Tangcharoensathien
Volume 90, Number 12, December 2012, 905-913
Table 1. A summary of key multifaceted and multilevel interventions conducted as part of the Antibiotics Smart Use (ASU) programme, Thailand
| Multilevel interventions | Multifaceted interventions |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educational measures | Managerial measures | Incentives | Policies and regulations | |
| Individual and organizational levels | – Training on treatment guidelines, provision of materials facilitating behaviour change – Increasing physician confidence in not prescribing antibiotics in responding appropriately to patients’ expectations and requests on antibiotics |
– Revising antibiotics listed in hospital formulary – Using a white light illuminator to examine the throat and improve diagnostic accuracy – Prescribing herbal medicines for non-bacterial infections – Providing patients with accurate information before they see a doctor – Providing a guideline on ASU planning, implementation and evaluation, including evaluation tools |
– Promoting good practices via the ASU web site, social media and newsletters distributed to all health facilities and provincial health offices | – ASU-related policy at the hospital and/or provincial level |
| Network level | – Training of trainers for drug prescribers and ASU project managers – Education via social media and peers |
– Developing a set of computer software commands to support the auditing of antibiotic use – Encouraging local ASU partners to conduct parallel ASU-related research and present their work in technical forums – Sharing tools and materials produced by local partners to facilitate cross-sharing and learning |
– Sharing lessons learned within and outside the ASU network – Supporting and promoting ASU good practice sites for domestic and international study visits |
NA |
| Policy level | NA | NA | – Advocating the inclusion of ASU among the pay-for-performance criteria of Thailand’s National Health Security Office | |
NA, not applicable