Innovative Online Cold Chain Tracking System (Smart Cold Chain System)

Abstract

Good and efficient vaccine management and cold chain system are extremely important to maintain the quality of the vaccine. If there is a problem in the system, it may result in the deterioration of vaccine quality. The objective of this study was to create an automatic data collection, tracking, notification and analysis system for vaccine, and to study the appropriateness of the temperature of vaccine storage refrigerators at Ban Klang Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Ao Luek District, Krabi Province. It was conducted as an action research. Data were collected from staff in the service unit during the months of January - September 2022 using interviews, assessment forms, temperature recording tools, data loggers, and the “Smart Cold Chain System” (online cold chain monitoring system). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics: number and percentage. It was found that: (1) general information: the sample group consisted of 8 people, 75% of whom were 30-40 years old, who had completed training, had knowledge about vaccine management; and 37.5% of them were responsible for immunization work. (2) Evaluation of innovation efficiency found that the traditional work system utilyzed a thermometer that showed the values automatically with small numbers. Staff had to record the data by themselves. As for the new system: “Online Cold Chain Tracking System” (Smart Cold Chain System), the unit showed the temperature values automatically with clearly visible numbers. The temperature could be check at any time, and data were stored every 1 hour. The system has tracking function through Line group notification. If temperature value was at outside the appropriate temperature range, it would be resolved within 20 minutes. (3) Satisfaction assessment: Users of the online cold chain tracking system were satisfied with the SMART Cold Chain System. Thus, this innovation should be put into practice to reduce work load; and the services should be provided to cover all departments.