Public Health Emergency Management and Policy Proposals from COVID-19 Pandemic in Amnatcharoen Hospital

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to the lessons learned from Public Health Emergency Management and Policy proposals from COVID-19 Pandemic in Amnatcharoen Hospital. This is Mixed Methods Research. Quantitative data Collected with the medical records of COVID-19 patients from November 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 were recruited. Qualitative data collected by in-depth interviews with the 40 participants from policy-level executives Public Health, Emergency Operations Center Board, Hospital Administrative level, medical operation level and the 10 participants from patients who were admitted to Amnatcharoen Hospital and document reviews. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data and thematic analysis were used for qualitative data. The results show that: Administrative system of Amnatcharoen Hospital was compliant to administrative model of field hospital for COVID-19, in the scope of input, process and outcome. Problems, constraints, including hospital administrative strategies were identified on patient screening management system, risk management system, human resource management, continuity of care/referral system and adequacy of personal protective equipment (PPE) and N95 masks for patient care during peak periods. Recommendations for governments to policy formulation and administrative decision-making include Public Health Emergency Management preparedness are the creation of an Emergency Operations Center and The Incident Command System is a standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of emergency response to Prevention and Mitigation , Preparedness, Response, Recovery and to respond immediately and systematically to manage prepare for Future Public Health Emergencies and Disasters.