The opportunity to participate in the international Community Service Program (KKN) was a valuable experience for eight students from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University (FF UNAIR). The eight students are M. Afzaala, Dini Valerina, Khanaya Angelie, Luvena Navelyn, Izmel Harith, Nur Abbyana, Nur Annisa, and M. Hareez. The program, which took place from January 11–25, 2026, gave them the opportunity to learn directly at Rangsit University, Thailand. There, they learned how to provide pharmaceutical services that emphasize community-based practices. During the program, they participated in various pharmacy service rotations facilitated by the Rangsit University College of Pharmacy.
"One of our most memorable experiences was participating in a community home visit in the Lak Hok area. During this activity, we were accompanied by sixth-year students from Rangsit University to make direct visits to patients' homes, particularly the elderly. Through this activity, we saw how pharmacists monitor patients' conditions, provide education, and check medication adherence at home," said one student, recounting their experience.
In their practice, pharmacists used the INHOMESS approach (Immobility, Nutrition, Home Environment, Other People, Medication, Examination, Safety, Spirituality, and Service) to comprehensively assess patients' conditions, from mobility to safety and access to healthcare. They also communicated with patients using the IFFE approach (Idea, Feeling, Function, Expectation) to understand the patient's perspective on their illness. This approach made us realize that healthcare is not solely focused on medical conditions, but also on the patient's experiences and needs in their daily lives.
In addition to home visits, they also had the opportunity to intern at the Rangsit University Smoking Cessation Center. This service center provides assistance to people who want to quit smoking through counseling and health education. Patients not only receive information about the dangers of smoking but also receive support in the form of consultations, progress monitoring, and strategies to help them gradually quit. Patients can even receive free nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine gum or gargles to aid their quitting journey.
Through their internship experience at the Rangsit University Smoking Cessation Center, they realized that quitting smoking relies not only on individual willpower but also requires the support of a structured healthcare system.
The experience of participating in international community service at Rangsit University gave the eight students a new perspective on how a community-based healthcare approach can have a real impact on society. It also served as inspiration for the development of stronger healthcare programs in Indonesia.
