A mixed model to promote rational use of medicines

Nithima Sumpradit (1,2); Pisonthi Chongtrakul (3); Kunyada Anuwong (4); Somying Pumtong (4)

1: Food and Drug Administration; 2: International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health;

3: Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University; 4: Faculty of Pharmacy, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand

On behalf of ASU partners and network

ICIUM 2011Antalya, Turkey

• Thai Food and Drug Administration• World Health Organization • Health Systems Research Institution• International Health Policy Program, Thailand• National Health Security Office• Drug System Monitoring and Development Center

• Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University, Konkean University and Thammasart University

• Faculty of Pharmacy at Srinakarintharawiroj University, Chulalongkorn University, Maha Sarakram University

• Health professionals and participants from several provinces• Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Samutsongkhram and Ubonratchathani • Kantang community hospital network • Srivichai private hospital network• many other provinces and settings

ASU partners and network

Talk outline

• Country’s profile• Antibiotics Smart Use Program• Lessons learned about policy advocacy• Conclusions

Country Profile

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• 63.3 millions population

• Universal health care coverage achieved in 2002

• Drug expenditures: 35% of health expenditures.

• By law, antibiotics need to be dispensed by a pharmacist.

• National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance, Thailand (NARST)

•National plans and strategies on AMR are being developed.

Origin of ASUASU is an action research to change medicine use behavior. ASU assumptions1.RUM is behavioral issue. RUM cannot achieve unless it creates behavioral change.

2.Bottom-up approaches are needed to change behavior. Top-down approaches are needed for scaling up and sustain the behavior changed.

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Objectives

To test the ASU model in promoting RUM

To reduce unnecessary antibiotic uses in upper

respiratory infection (URI), acute diarrhea and

simple wound.

Social levelCreate a social norm on ASU

Phase 3: Toward sustainability via policy advocacy, network strengthening and development of new social norms (2010-present)

Phase 1: To test interventions modifying prescribing behavior (2007-8) Setting: 10 district hospitals and 87 health centers in 1 province

Hospital level- Ensure supportive environment

Individual level- Correct misunderstanding- boost self-efficacy

Phase 2: To test feasibility of scaling up program (2008-9) Setting: 44 hospitals and 627 health centers in 3 provinces (large, medium and small) and 2 hospital networks (public and private)

National policy level- Link ASU to policy

Network level- Decentralized Network

Patients’ health &

satisfaction

Prescribing behavior

Enabling factors(by level)

e.g., Availability of antibiotics, tx

guidelines, devices etc

Reinforcing factors(by level)

e.g., reward and punishment

Intention

AttitudesSubjective

normSelf-efficacy

Predisposing factors

Hospital context

Community context

Study framework

Interventions• Multifaceted interventions (i.e., education,

management, incentive and policy/regulation) via decentralized network between central and local partners

ASU @ Lumtub community hospital (Krabi province)

Buddhist monk as ASU health educator (Saraburi province)

Source: Kunyada Anuwong & Somying Pumtong

Effects on prescribing behavior

% of patients who were affected with the

targeted diseases and did not receive

antibiotics

Effects on patients’ health and satisfaction

Source: Kunyada Anuwong & Somying Pumtong Panuchote Tongyoung et al.

• Over 80-90% were satisfied with medical services and treatment outcome and intended to return to this healthcare setting for the next medical visit.

Effects on scaling up

2007 2008* 2010

In 2009, National Health Security Office (NHSO), responsible for

universal care coverage, announced ASU in an RUM pay-for-performance policy

•This number does not included the hospitals that adopted ASU prior the policy announcment.

Lessons learned about policy advocacy

1. Choosing a right policy

Patients’ health &

satisfaction

Prescribing behavior

Enabling factors(by level)

e.g., Availability of antibiotics, tx

guidelines, devices etc

Reinforcing factors(by level)

e.g., reward and punishment

Intention

AttitudesSubjective

normSelf-efficacy

Predisposing factors

Hospital context

Community context

Pay-for-performance criterion (NHSO)

Lessons learned about policy advocacy

2. Multisectoral partners– Authority (Politic, MOH, Government and Healthcare

payer)– Academia (University and research unit)– Social movement (NGO and media/social advocator)

Modified from a concept of “triangle that moves the mountain”

Lessons learned about policy advocacy

3. ‘Proof of success’ Evidence-based policy– Benefits to health– Cost saving – Practical to implement and evaluate

4. Critical mass of ASU alliances & Clear directions– “Climate for change”

5. A window of opportunity

Conclusions

1. ASU is an RUM model that can modify antibiotic prescribing behaviors.

2. Scaling up the program requires a policy advocacy via multisectoral partners, decentralized network and evidence-based program.

3. A bottom up approach (at the individual level) is needed to change behavior and a top down approach (and social measures) are needed for scaling up and sustaining the behavior changed.