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 2. Characteristics of the Antibiotics Smart Use (ASU) programme, by programmatic phase, Thailand
| Characteristics | Phase 1 (Aug 2007–Aug 2008) | Phase 2 (Sep 2008–Dec 2009) | Phase 3, ongoing (transition period) (Mar 2010–Aug 2011) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goals | Test the effectiveness of ASU in changing antibiotic prescription behaviour | Test feasibility of scaling up ASU model | Strengthen networks and assess scaling-up mechanisms |
| Target | 1 provincea | 3 provinces and 2 networks of public and private hospitalsb | 22 public hospital networks in 15 provinces |
| Funding agencies | WHO, Thai FDA | HSRI, NHSO, Thai FDA | DSMDC, Thai FDA |
| Coordinating agencies | Thai FDA | Thai FDA | DSMDC, Thai FDA, IHPP |
| Budget spendingc | US$ 33 000d | US$ 73 000 | US$ 123 000 |
| Spillover effecte | No | Yes | Yes |
DSMDC, Drug System Monitoring and Development Centre; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; HSRI, Health Systems Research Institute; IHPP, International Health Policy Program; NHSO, National Health Security Office; US$, United States dollar; WHO, World Health Organization.
a 10 district hospitals and 87 primary health centres.
b 44 hospitals and 621 primary health centres.
c The budget spending reported here is for the amount received from funding agencies; it does not include budget funds received from local partners.
d The exchange rate was 30 Thai baht to one US dollar.
e This is the extent to which health-care facilities, organizations and individuals not targeted by ASU implement ASU methods.