Developing a Model by Community Involvement for Caring of Patients with Chronic Diseases: a Case Study of Kaedam Contracting Unit for Primary Care, Mahasarakham Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess the situation of chronic diseases in Kaedam Contracting Unit for Primary Care (CUP), Mahasarakham Province and the involvement of community in caring for chronic disease patients as well as to develop a model of community involvement for care of chronic diseases care in Kaedam CUP. The study was conducted as a research and development research utilizing the quantitative, qualitative, and participatory action research approaches. The study samples included 426 cases with chronic disease living in Kaedam and 209 individuals from multidisciplinary teams, community leaders, sub-district administrative organizations, school administrators, and health care providers. The Data collection methods and tools included a quality of life questionnaire, in-depth interviews, group discussions, and workshops. It was found that the most common quality of life score among patients was moderate (81.69%). Promotion of community involvement was conducted through the technical refreshing among health care teams on the management of 6 chronic diseases and training volunteers on community-based management and holistic care of patients with the chronic illnesses. During the implementation period, capacity of the multidisciplinary teams was enhanced, chronic disease data based system was developed and data were shared for proper planning of health care of the patients, and the referral system was improved to increase efficiency and safety as well as continuum of care. Assessment of patients’ satisfaction revealed a high level attainment with the score of 4.05.