Development of Community Pharmacy Capacity in Nakhon Phanom Province through an Action Research Process.
Keywords:
Quality Pharmacy, Community Pharmacy, Capacity Development, Pharmacy Standards, Action ResearchAbstract
This action research aimed to: (1) develop the capacity of community pharmacies in Nakhon Phanom Province using an action research approach; and (2) evaluate the outcomes of community pharmacy capacity development implemented through the action research approach. The study participants consisted of 26 community pharmacies with full-time pharmacists on duty throughout operating hours, selected through purposive sampling. The study was conducted from December 2025 to May 2026 using the action research framework of Kemmis and McTaggart, comprising two cycles with four stages: planning, action, observation, and reflection. Research instruments included a Quality Pharmacy Standards assessment form, a quality management assessment form, and in-depth interview guidelines based on the WHO Six Building Blocks framework. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.
The results showed that pharmacy capacity significantly improved after the intervention (p < .001). The overall mean quality assessment score increased from 3.41 ± 0.39 to 4.43 ± 0.27. Significant improvements were observed in all domains, including premises and equipment, personnel, medication management, pharmaceutical care, and quality systems. The greatest improvements were found in pharmaceutical care and quality management systems. Qualitative findings demonstrated positive changes across all six WHO health system building blocks: service delivery, health workforce, health information systems, access to essential medicines, health financing, and leadership and governance. Key success factors included active participation of pharmacy owners, continuous support from pharmacist mentors, ongoing supervision, and knowledge sharing among pharmacy networks.
In conclusion, the action research process combined with training, mentoring, and supportive supervision effectively enhanced community pharmacy capacity and strengthened readiness for Quality Pharmacy Standards accreditation.
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