Development of Care Model for Patients with Chronic Disease by Community Participation in Lamphun Province

Abstract

Caring for chronic disease patients in the community requires the participation of community to develop care model of patient with chronic diseases that will lead to patient, family and community health. The objective of this research was to develop care model for patients with chronic diseases by community participation. It was conducted in Banthi District, Lamphun Province, Thailand. Participants were 539 individuals comprising of health officers, sub-district administrative officers, community leaders, public health volunteers, village volunteers, monks, patients with chronic diseases, and caregivers. The study had 3 phases: (1) situation analysis, (2) planning and development of model, and (3) evaluation. Data were collected by using in-depth interview, group discussion, observation records and meeting plan in accordance with the AIC process that had been checked for the accuracy, suitability and clarity of language from 3 experts. The data were analyzed by using content analysis technique. As for the results there were 6 activities in the model: (1) management by the volunteer committee, (2) develop knowledge and skill for the volunteers, (3) Guidelines for caring of patients by the volunteers, (4) continuous monitoring and empowerment. (5) guidelines of communication, referral and coordination, and (6) volunteers support through the volunteer fund. The evaluation of the model revealed the volunteer network that could manage self-sufficiency; volunteer care team had knowledge skills and ability to take care of patients; and patients received care covering physical health, mental health, economic and social support. The results of this study identified the strength of the model in the management by the volunteer committee and setting up a fund to support volunteers work. The results of this research showed that community participation could generate a care model for chronic diseases which was suitable to the community context. Therefore, the model should be applied to other communities upon adaptation to the local context.