Model Development to Improve Accessibility of Diabetes and Hypertension Patients with Participation of Community Network, Maesakorn Health Promoting Hospital, Wiang Sa District, Nan Province

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a model to improve accessibility to health services among patients with diabetes (DM) and hypertension (HT) through community participation and networking in Maesakorn Health Promoting Hospital, Wiang Sa District, Nan Province, Thailand. Participants in the study were 50 DM patients and 170 HT patients together with 50 members of community network purposively selected to take part in the research. Data were collected through observation, interviews, group discussion and patient records; and were analyzed by using frequency, percentage and content analysis. It was found that the management was systematically performed, beginning with situation analysis to obtain information for model development and implementation in a participatory manner. The approach was well acceptd by the patients who changed their behavior in a favorable direction. The model had increased access to health services, resulted in ability to control blood sugar in 89.0 percent of DM cases and to control blood pressure in 96.0 parcent of HT patients. In addition, 89.0 percent of the patients had physical check-up. The medel had created collaboration of work down to the families and relatives through the efforts of village health volunteers, community leaders, and other agencies of the network within and outside the community. It was expected that such model could bring the continuous and sustainable essential services close to the their home.