Thesis (M.Pharm.) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Pharmacy Dispensing Units (PDUs) are automated medicine dispensing systems, which
are the first of its kind in South Africa and are operational in the public healthcare sector.
At present, the application of automated dispensing technology is still evolving, and it is
uncertain how it will impact on pharmacy services and be integrated into different
healthcare systems.
Aim
To determine the attitude and experiences of patients collecting their chronic care
medications at various Pharmacy Dispensing Units.
Methods
A cross-sectional quantitative design using a structured self-administered questionnaire
was used to collect data from the participants at three PDU sites; Alexandra Plaza,
Ndofaya Mall and Bara Mall. The study encompassed chronic stable patients. Participants
were selected based on a simple random sampling method and included 624 participants.
The study period was over two months. The researcher recorded the information that was
present in the study population, and no variables were manipulated. Data was analysed
using the SPSS version 27.0.0. Chi Square Tests, One-way Anova Tests and Microsoft
Excel were used to analyze the data.
Results
Since p<0.05, the results showed that there was an association between responses and
demographic information. The difference in distribution of responses seen across the
participants at the different PDUs was significant. Most participants (85,4%) found the
ATM easy to use as it was a simple system. Majority of the participants (99,6%) were
content with the overall service received at the PDU, and 99,3% were pleased with the
experience they had speaking through the PDU telephonic system. In comparison to the
clinic, 99% of the participants felt they preferred to use the PDU and 99,7% found the
PDU system easier to collect their medication from and follow their treatment plan. A few
participants (2,7%) did have some negative experiences such as the system being down,
network issues, technical challenges, delivery problems and the PDU being too busy.
However, all of the respondents stated that they would recommend the PDU to other
patients, as well as continue to collect their medicines at the PDU.
Conclusion
Overall patients had a positive attitude and experience towards the PDU. This research
will assist in ensuring pharmacies continue to shift their focus to providing a more holistic
approach to healthcare. It will allow for engagement with National and Provincial
Departments of Health and NGOs to expand the number of PDUs. Furthermore, it might
also help to develop new services and allow for changes to be made within the current
models. This study will contribute to the overall improvement in the health sector and
prepare for implementation of NHI. / VLIR Foundation
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ul/oai:ulspace.ul.ac.za:10386/4014 |
| Date | January 2022 |
| Creators | Chouhan, Hethel |
| Contributors | Poka, M. S., Mothiba, T. M., Demana, P. H. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | xiv, 142 leaves |
| Relation |
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