Evaluation of referral centers in Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

Abstract

            Objectives : To explore problems, suggestions and evaluate the performance of referral centers in Khon Kaen province, Thailand.

            Methods : We conducted a questionnaire survey among stakeholders of referral system in the province from July to November 2017. Open-ended questions were used to explore problems, obstacles, and suggestions; structured questions were used to evaluate the performances of the referral centers. This study included 178 participants selected randomly from four stratified groups in the province: hospital directors, members of referral committees, staff of the referral centers, and staff of hospitals referring patients to the referral centers. The questionnaires were developed for each of the four groups, in which the participants were requested to evaluate the context, inputs, and process using 5-point Likert scale (high score means very good or very agree),and to evaluate products (achieved goals) using yes-or-no questions.

            Results : The participants showed concerns about the system and its insufficient resources but willingness to support the centers to improve their performances. The mean rating scores (SD) on the context, input, and process were 4.14(0.57), 3.93(0.14), and 4.01(0.53), respectively among hospital directors; 3.80(0.76), 3.66(0.57), and 3.64(0.57), respectively among referral committee members; 3.91(0.52), 3.78(0.54), and 3.7(0.56), respectively among referral center staff; 3.70(0.57), 3.25(0.57), and 3.23(0.76), respectively among doctors and nurses. The product evaluation was 100% in all groups except for the doctors and nurses (84%).

            Conclusions : Although the evaluation scores were fairly good, there is still room for improvement in the referral system.

Keywords: Evaluation, Referral center