Journal of Health Science of Thailand

Data Visualization in R Program

2024-12-30T14:07:15+07:00

Learning from the Recipient of Prince Mahidol Award for Public Health, 2024

2024-12-30T13:55:00+07:00

Introduction

2024-12-30T13:50:37+07:00

Cover

2024-12-30T13:27:07+07:00

Prevalence of Dysosmia and Dysgeusia in People with COVID-19 at a Tertiary Care Hospital

2024-12-30T14:44:03+07:00

The coronavirus disease 2019 is an infectious disease that affects the sensation of smell and taste.
This descriptive study aimed to assess the prevalence of dysosmia and dysgeusia in 400 people infected
with COVID-19 who came for screening at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok. Data were collected from
medical records. Instruments for data collection included the demographic data form and health data
form, such as the history of infection risk factors, testing results for coronavirus 2019, symptoms
related to the sense of smell and taste, other abnormal symptoms, and medical conditions. The data were analyzed
using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The study
results found that a sample of 400 people had an average age of 41.54 years, with the majority being 221
females (55.25%). The most significant risk factor for COVID-19 infection was contact or close contact
with patients confirmed to have the disease in 316 cases (79.00%). The history of high blood pressure was
kbserved in 79 cases (19.75%). Dysosmia was observed in 99 cases or 247.5%; and the percentage of
cases with dysgeusia was 11.50% (46 cases). The number of cases with both symptoms was 35 (8.75%).
The study results demonstrated that dysosmia and dysgeusia are quite common symptoms in people
infected with COVID-19. Therefore, public health personnel can apply the study results as guidelines for
evaluating people at risk of developing COVID-19 and will continue monitoring their long-term
symptoms.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Healthcare Workers in Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok

2024-12-30T16:13:19+07:00

Healthcare workers (HCWs), who are close contacts with TB patients, have a high risk for latent
tuberculosis infection (LTBI); and approximately 10% of infected person will eventually develop TB
disease. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with
LTBI among HCWs in Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok. It was conducted as a cross-sectional study. Data
were collected from 270 HCWs in the hospital during September 2020 to July 2021 by questionnaire
and blood sampling test for the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) assay. The univariate and
multivariate analysis were used for statistical analyses and p<0.05 was considered for statistically
significance. It was found that 60 HCWs were positive QFT-Plus assay, and the prevalence of latent
tuberculosis infection was 22.22%. Univariate analysis showed factors significantly associated with a
positive QFT-Plus assay were: age 30 years and older (OR=6.05; 95%CI=2.91-12.58), other healthcare
professional than physician and nurse (OR=1.94; 95%CI=1.09-3.47), working duration time over
10 years (OR=4.64; 95%CI=2.53–8.54), low risk workplace (OR=2.54; 95%CI=1.35-4.77) and
handling over 6 samples/cases of TB specimens/patients per week (OR=2.28; 95%CI=1.06-4.88).
In multivariate analysis, age 30 years and over was associated with an increased risk of a positive
QFT-Plus (aOR=5.41; 95%CI=2.51–11.67). In conclusion, this study found prevalence rate of latent
tuberculosis infection in HCWs by QFT-Plus assay was 22.22%. Aged 30 years and older was found
to be an important risk factor associated with latent tuberculosis infection. This information should be
considered for implement IGRAs test in the annual health checkup program for screening and any healthcare
workers who tested positive should receive treatment and monitoring.

Factor Affecting Work-life Balance of the Medical Technologists Working in the Government Hospitals, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand

2024-05-01T16:01:13+07:00

Personnel management to achieve work-life balance maintains personnel within the organization.
This cross-sectional survey research aimed to study work-life balance and its related factors of a medical
technologist sample group in public hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. The number
of samples was 852 participants. We collected the data via an online questionnaire (Google Form) from
April to May, 2023. The research instrument content validity was 0.81 and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient
was 0.84-0.98. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment correlation
coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression analysis, and the statistical significance level was
set at <0.05. The results indicated that medical technologist’s work-life balance was at moderate level.
There were significant relationships between work-life balance and gender, age, professional experience,
duration of work in hospitals, family support, number of working hours per week, work culture, and types
of hospitals (p<0.05). Five factors were identified as predictors of work-life balance: work culture, types
of hospital, number of working hours per week, duration of working in hospitals, and family support, with
collectively predicting 20.10% of the variance in work-life balance. (Beta = 0.31, 0.16, 0.15, 0.12,
and 0.07, respectively). Therefore, to increase the level of work-life balance of medical technologists in
public sectors, hospital administrators should pay attention to the appropriateness of total working hours
per week. In addition, it is importance to foster the participative working culture in relationship-building
activities. These will create opportunities for retaining the medical technologist within the organization.

Factors Associated with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) Infection among Hospitalized Patients at Samutprakan Hospital

2024-05-08T18:51:04+07:00

This matched case-control study aims were to describe the epidemiology of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) and identify factors associated with infection of VRE among hospitalized patients at Samutprakan Hospital between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023. The case were 86 patients infected with VRE and the control case 172 patients with Vancomycin Sensitivity Enterococcus (VSE). Both groups were matched by sex, age and same type of specimen in the same month. Data were collected retrospectively from hospital electronic medical record database and culture results. Condition logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with VRE infection. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated and p-value less than 0.05 to indicated statistical significance.

Factors Associated with the Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms among Leprosy Patients in Thailand

2024-10-01T16:20:23+07:00

Elderly, disabled, dependent, and chronically ill leprosy patients are vulnerable. When infected with
COVID-19, they will be more affected and severely affected than the general population. This study is
a cross-sectional study utilized retrospective data from the digital medical records system at Rajpracha
samasai Institute for the years 2020-2021. The objective was to investigate factors associated with the
severity of COVID-19 symptoms in leprosy patients in Thailand. The analysis method were descriptive
and inferential statistics, specifically multivariable logistic regression analysis. The study identified 120
leprosy patients who were infected by COVID-19; of whom 55.83% were male, with an average age
of 71 years. Among the participants, 80.83% had underlying conditions, 75.00% had deformities, and
57.50% were dependent on others. The factors that were significantly associated with the severity of
COVID-19 symptoms included male, employed, alcohol consumption, having underlying conditions,
abnormal chest X-ray findings, use of favipiravir combined with other medications, intravenous fluid
therapy combined with medication and abnormal blood concentration levels (p<0.05). After controlling
for inconsistent variables, and when controlling for the influence of confounding variables, it was found
that the X-ray results with abnormal lungs were a factor associated with the severity of COVID-19
symptoms in the leprosy patient group. Therefore, abnormal lung symptoms should be monitored by
annual X-ray examination to promote the quality of life of leprosy patients to live happily in their later
years according to individual differences.

Development of a Model to Reduce Injuries and Death from Road Accidents among Motorcyclists through the District-Level Road Safety Operation Center in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

2024-09-30T01:55:50+07:00

This action research aimed to develop a model for reducing motorcycle accident injuries and
fatalities through district-level road safety operation centers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The study
population was purposively selected, comprising three groups: (1) 8 core leaders from the
Provincial Road Safety Directing Center Committee, (2) 27 leaders from road safety operation centers in 9
highest-risk districts, and (3) 180 district-level operational leaders. The study was conducted from
November 2023 to August 2024. Research instruments included assessment forms, helmet usage data
collection forms, interview forms, and road accident injury and fatality recording forms. Data were
analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency and percentage; and inferential statistics through
Z-test for proportion comparison to assess change in helmet usage rate, while qualitative data were
analyzed through content analysis. The findings revealed that motorcycle fatalities accounted for 44-50%
of all road fatalities. The implementation of motorcycle accident prevention measures was not
comprehensive across all high-risk districts, lacking outcome-focused problem management and systematic
problem-solving knowledge. A model was developed collaboratively with provincial and district stakeholders
through planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. Post-implementation results
showed improvements in all self-assessment scores of district road safety operation centers, helmet usage
rates significantly from 79.55% to 95.86% (p<0.05); and a reduction in fatalities was recorded in 4
districts, despite an upward trend in injuries. The developed model comprises 5 main steps: (1) situation
analysis and goal setting, (2) planning and measure design, (3) implementation, (4) learning and
development, and (5) expansion and enhancement. In conclusion, the developed model effectively
reduced fatalities, increased helmet usage rates, and could be applied in other high-risk areas.

Development of a Questionnaire for Assessing the Understanding of Monochrome GDAs Nutritional Label among Thai Children Aged 10-18 Years

2024-04-19T17:54:05+07:00

Understanding Monochrome Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) nutritional label helps children to
make healthier food choices. The objective of this study is to develop a questionnaire to assess Thai
children’s understanding of GDA nutritional label. A mixed-methods research was employed, including both
qualitative and quantitative research. For the qualitative research, data were collected through a literature
review, consultation meetings with research advisors, and focus group discussions with Thai children aged
10-18 years. Quantitative research was collected through assessments conducted by nutrition experts.
The analysis of validity was divided into two areas: (1) content validity, analyzed using the content
validity index (CVI), and (2) face validity, which involved assessing the clarity and language usage
in the questionnaire. Reliability was evaluated through a test-retest method. The study found that there
were eight questions in total to assess understanding of GDA nutritional label. The content validity of the
questionnaire had a relevance score of 0.95 and a clarity score of 0.93. The reliability of the
questionnaire, as measured by Cronbach’s alpha, was 0.715 in the first test and 0.835 in the second
test. The intra-class correlation was 0.709 in the first round and 0.805 in the second round. These
results indicated that the questionnaire had both excellent content and face validity, as well as a good level
of reliability. Therefore, this questionnaire can be effectively used to assess the understanding of GDA
nutritional label among Thai children aged 10-18 years.

Development of the Peer Support Group Care Model for Persons with Tuberculosis in Community

2023-11-02T23:19:41+07:00

This action research aimed to develop the peer support group care model for persons with tuberculosis in the community in the context of Mueang district, MahaSarakham province. Participants consisted of persons with tuberculosis, caregivers, village health volunteer, and health providers. Research instruments included questions for a focused group discussion, patient medical record form, Internalized Stigma of Tuberculosis Scale, and health status record form. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, odds ratio, multiple logistic regression, paired t-test, and content analysis.The research results revealed that 1) the peer support group care model consisted of three elements as follows: (1) inputs, including policy and implementation guidance, peer group structure, peer group’s roles, and facilities supports; (2) process: a care framework for peer support group and self-management of persons with TB, including peer group competency enhancement, peer-led face-to-face self-management programs, peer coaches or mentors, and appreciative inquiry; and (3) outcomes, including key performance indicators about physical and psychosocial health outcomes. 2) After implementing the model, peer support group network was established for management and care for person with TB in community and completed implementation along the plan setting. Twenty-six persons with TB received complete treatment and were cured. The internalized stigma was decreased among persons with TB.

Development of the Community-Based Treatment and Rehabilitation Model for Drug Addicts at Kudbak Hospital, Sakon Nakhon Province

2024-07-18T20:52:01+07:00

The purposes of this research were to (1) explore the conditions and challenges associated with
community-based treatment and rehabilitation for drug addicts at Kudbak Hospital in Sakon Nakhon
Province, (2) construct and develop a community-based treatment and rehabilitation model, and (3) examine
the efficiency of the developed community-based treatment and rehabilitation model. A three-stage
approach was developed and organized as follows: phase I examined fundamental information regarding
current conditions and challenges of illegal drug use in the Kudbak district and explored ten stakeholders’
opinions regarding conditions and challenges, needs, and successful factors in using community-based
treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts; phase II was related to model construction and development;
and phase III involved the efficiency of the developed model. Statistics for data analysis included mean
and standard deviation and content analysis. The findings revealed that: (1) the current conditions in
the community were overall at a high level ((mean=4.05); while factors related to drug prevention in
the community were overall at a moderate level ((mean=3.24). (2) The model components included
principles, objectives, systems and mechanics, processes, and evaluation. The developed model was rated
at the highest level of appropriateness and feasibility, with a mean score of 4.95. (3) The effectiveness of
the developed community-based treatment and rehabilitation model for drug addicts at Kudbak Hospital in
Sakon Nakhon Province yielded the following outcomes: all 15 patients (100%) completed the treatment
program. After one month of treatment, 100% of the participants had ceased using drugs. This success
continued, with 100% of the participants remaining drug-free after three months.

Development of a nursing model for patients with acute heart failure at Pathum Thani Hospital Model

2024-02-14T10:57:46+07:00

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a nursing model for patients with acute heart
failure at Pathum Thani Hospital, a tertiary care facility, using the Donabedian System Framework. The
study was conducted in 3 phases, and a period of 7 months, consisting of 3 phases. The phase 1: problem
analysis by collecting statistics, reviewing literature, brainstorming, interviewing, observing, and summarizing
the analysis results. The phase 2: develop and test the model by creating research instruments,
including a nursing manual for patients with acute heart failure and video clips. The tools used for data
collection included a knowledge, skills, and satisfaction assessment form, administered by five experts,
and were tested with three sample groups: 30 patients, 30 caregivers, and 30 professional nurses. Each
group was selected specifically. The third phase was to evaluate the results of the model, analyzing data
using t-test statistics. It was found that the nursing model for patients with acute heart failure consists
of professional nurses, patients, and caregivers using a nursing manual, video clips, a simulation room,
and continuous care. The patients, caregivers, and nurses after using the model gained knowledge skill
care, and their satisfaction was at higher level. The difference between pre-test and post-test was significant
(p<0.001). The mean satisfaction score was also significantly higher than before using the model
(p<0.001). There was no rate of re-hospitalization for the same disease among all of them. The results
of this research show that the nursing model for patients with acute heart failure at Pathum Thani Hospital
was appropriate and could be effectively applied.

Developing the Quality of Life for Informal Waste Workers in Developing Countries: Meta-Synthesis

2024-07-24T13:29:02+07:00

This study aimed to synthesize the components of improving the quality of life of waste collectors,
informal workers, in developing countries by employing the meta-synthesis process following the
guidelines of Sandelowski and Barroso. Documents were retrieved from databases including Google
Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, ThaiJo, and ThaiLis, published between 2014 and 2024, focusing on
the development of the quality of life of informal workers. Qualitative research studies were selected.
At each step, two researchers conducted the process, and in cases of disagreement, a third expert was
consulted to make the final decision. Key search terms were used to identify relevant studies, which were
then screened based on predefined criteria. The selected studies were critically appraised to assess their
methodological quality. Data were extracted from these studies and synthesized using an meta-synthesis.
The results showed that 14 research studies were selected from a total of 41,652 articles across 8
developing countries: Brazil, Thailand, Ethiopia, Colombia, Nicaragua, Kenya, Argentina, and India. The
findings revealed that waste collectors face challenges across multiple dimensions, including physical,
psychological, social, environmental, economic, legal, technological, and cultural aspects. Unsafe
working conditions adversely affected mental health, while community support helped mitigate risks. The
adoption of technology increasesd income opportunities, and a robust legal framework enhanced safety
and social security. Key measures included improving workplace safety, enacting laws to protect informal
workers, promoting cooperative organizations, developing advanced technology training systems, and
providing accessible healthcare services. These actions are critical to sustainably improving the quality of
life for waste collectors.

A Study Examining Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness of Thai Medical Cannabis Products in Increasing Quality of Life of End-Stage Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Care

2023-09-21T02:50:15+07:00

This study aimed to examine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of two Thai tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC)-prominent cannabis products in improving the quality of life for end-stage cancer patients receiving
palliative care. This study was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, four-arm parallel-group,
placebo-controlled trial, with cost-effectiveness analysis at the forefront. Study participants were
end-stage cancer patients receiving palliative care within six general hospitals. We compared Deja oils
produced by the Department of Thai Traditional Medicine and Alternative Medicines (Deja oil) and
THC-prominent oil produced by the Thai Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO oil) with
placebos. The primary outcome was to determine the quality of life as measured by the EQ-5D-5L. The
study period covered November 2022 to August 2023. In total, 53 patients participated in the study after
providing informed consent. Study participants received the randomly selected cannabis product for 12
weeks or until the patient died or had adverse reactions. The research team conducted telephone interviews
every week to assess patients’ symptoms, cannabis product use, possible adverse reactions, quality of life,
and costs involved in receiving the treatment. As for the results, based on the limited sample size, neither
of the two genuine cannabis products offered any improvement in quality of life for any patients. However,
all four products statistically demonstrated significant improvement in patients’ sleep quality and there
was no statistically significant difference between products. Both of the real cannabis products were not
more cost-effective than the current standard palliative care treatment; however, the Deja oil was more
cost-effective than the GPO oil. Due to the study’s limited sample size and power, it was not possible to
positively or negatively conclude that both real cannabis products were significantly different from their
placebo counterparts in terms of either efficacy or cost-effectiveness in improving patients’ quality of life.

Guideline for Preparedness of the Operation Team for Surveillance, Investigation, Prevention and Control of Severe Dangerous Communicable Diseases in Border Areas of Tak Province

2023-11-03T14:01:29+07:00

This study aimed to develop guidelines for preparedness of the operation team for surveillance,
investigation, prevention and control of severe dangerous communicable diseases in border areas of
Tak province. The study comprised 3 processes. First, we reviewed management of the operation team
for surveillance, investigation, prevention and control of the past COVID-19 in border areas of Tak
province by reviews of related documents and group discussion; second, we developed the guidelines by the
experienced personnel in Tak provincial health office (PHO) and outside experts; and third, we
evaluated and improved the guidelines by asking the opinions and suggestions about them among the
health personnel involving in the operation teams in border districts and Tak PHO. The guidelines
included preparedness of the team personnel, budget and related materials, processes of the operation,
monitoring and evaluation of the team work. Based on the implementation guidelines, the team personnel
should be trained both in the class and in the field. The equipment and materials for disease prevention
and control should be prepared sufficiently and promptly for use through effective stockpiling by the
responsible personnel. Management by one big team may be appropriate for the same cluster of patients
and a small team for each scattered patient. When the dangerous communicable disease occurred in the
world, particularly in nearby country, the situation awareness team should immediately start surveillance
and disseminate data throughout the border areas. Standards for risk categories among close contacts of
the patient is useful for management during outbreak investigation and measures for disease prevention
and control should follow the national guidelines. It is essential to conduct continuous monitoring of the
team work. The guidelines evaluated by the health personnel of the operation teams in border districts
and Tak PHO revealed high appropriateness, feasibility and usefulness. However, these guidelines may
be modified for use according to changes in area context, disease transmission and spread in the future.

The Effect of Pediatric Early Warning Score Application for on Mortality in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients

2022-07-31T17:11:02+07:00

We reviewed all medical record of pediatric patient in the hospital from October 2015 to September
2019. The results of medical record review revealed a high mortality rate (86%) in pediatric cardiac
arrest. Consequently, we developed new PEWS (Pediatric Early Warning Signs Score) application for
alert system and automatic calculate of PEWS scoring with an aim to make available a PEWS application
for early detection of pediatric warning signs, ultimately reduce in hospital mortality. The objectives of this
study were to determine the effect of the PEWS application on mortality in hospitalized pediatric patients
and to compare the effectiveness of PEWS application to traditional paper-based PEWS. We conducted an
observational analytical cohort study, which was approved for research by ethics committees of Phaholpolpayuhasena
hospital. The study populations included all hospitalized pediatric patients (age 1 month to
15 years-old) in pediatric ward from March to April 30, 2021. Excluded populations were cases with
incomplete data for calculating PEWS. Data on mortality and the effectiveness of PEWS were obtained
from the hospital database through manual medical record reviews. Of the 62 pediatric patients who
met the inclusion criteria, 31 patients were categorized in the control group for traditional paper-based
PEWS and 31 patients were in the study group for PEWS application. Both groups had the same baseline
clinical characteristics. The study results showed a mortality rate 3.2% (1 in 31 patients), unplanned
ICU admission rate 12.9% (4 in 31 patients) and deterioration rate 9.7% (3 in 31 patients) in the
control group. While there was no death in the study group, no patient transferred to ICU, and no
deteriorated patient. The mean time to response occurred during 80 minutes in control group and 29
minutes in study group. In conclusions, the implementation of PEWS application decreased the mortality
rate, unplanned ICU, deterioration rate and time to response in hospitalized pediatric patients.

Comparison of the Effects of Stroke Patient Rehabilitation Process on the Knowledge of Daily Activities Performance among Patients and Caregivers, Community Hospitals, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

2024-04-28T23:00:35+07:00

This quasi-experimental research aimed to compare the knowledge of daily activity performance
among the first diagnosed stroke patients who required continuous physical rehabilitation after the acute
phase and their caregivers in Cha-uat Hospital and Chian Yai Hospital, Nakhon Si Thammarat province.
The measurements were taken before and after undergoing the physical rehabilitation process. A sample
group was selected using simple random sampling, divided into experimental and control groups; each
consisting of 40 pairs. The experimental group received a rehabilitation program based on the Fisher
and Fisher’s concept of providing information, motivation, and behavioral skills, 2003 over a period of
12 weeks. The control group obtained regular physical rehabilitation activity. The research instruments
included: (1) personal data questionnaire, (2) questionnaire about the knowledge of daily routines of
stroke patients, and (3) program aimed at promoting stroke patients and caregivers to practice daily
routines. Fisher’s exact test, independent t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum
(Mann-Whitney) test were used to analyzed the data. It was found that experimental group had
significantly higher average scores and differences in average scores of knowledge of daily activities compared
to control group, with statistical significance at the 0.05 level. However, there was no significant
difference in knowledge scores of daily activities between the caregivers of both groups Therefore, the process
of physical rehabilitation based on the concept of providing information, motivation, and behavioral
skills, which includes educating patients specifically about activities that have not yet met their goals and
are appropriate to their context, should involve interactive one-on-one conversations, discussions, and
empowering counseling. This approach would enhance stroke patients the knowledge about their daily
routines, leading to greater independence in performing daily activities and reducing the possibility of
disability. control group received standard rehabilitation guidelines from the Ministry of Public Health. The duration was 12 weeks, participating in activities once a week and measuring outcomes before and after the experiment using a questionnaire assessing knowledge of daily activities. Data analysis utilized Fisher's exact test, Independent t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney) test. The study found that the experimental group of patients had significantly higher average scores and differences in average scores of knowledge about daily activities compared to the control group, with statistical significance at the 0.001 level. However, there was no significant difference in knowledge scores about daily activities between the caregivers of both groups at the 0.05 level. In conclusion, the rehabilitation process based on information provision, motivation, and behavioral skills increased the knowledge about daily activities of stroke patients. The results of this study can be applied to benefit other patients with cerebrovascular disease by imparting knowledge about tailored daily activity training. Such training should concentrate on activities that patients have not yet attained and are suitable for their individual circumstances. The delivery of information should involve face-to-face communication, interaction, discourse, and counseling to empower both patients and their family caregivers to independently undertake daily activities, thereby reducing the risk of disability and alleviating the caregiving burden.

Keywords: activity of daily living; knowledge; stroke; rehabilitation process

A Comparative Study of Hospital and Healthcare Standards 5th Edition 2022 and Program and Disease Specific Standards 2020 of the Healthcare Accreditation Institute, Thailand

2022-11-08T09:48:01+07:00

Patient safety is important. Most healthcare facilities in Thailand have developed service systems in
accordance with the hospital and health service standards of the Healthcare Accreditation Institute since
1996, which is currently in the 5th edition (2022), and there are many medical facilities that developed
specialize care, thus leading to the development of disease-specific/system-specific standards in 2020.
The objective of this study was to compare the differences between the two standards, divided into four
areas: (1) qualifications to apply for the standard certification, (2) number and details of the requirements,
(3) documents used for requesting certification, and (4) consideration criteria. The study showed
that (1) requesting the disease-specific/system-specific standards hospitals was required to pass the
accreditation level 2 or higher or equivalent to level 1 or higher of hospital and health service standards;
(2) the number and details of hospital standard requirements for both standards consisted of 4 important
parts, but hospital and health service standards had more requirements; (3) documents required for
certification were similar, but the disease-specific/system-specific standards had more depth of contents;
and (4) the criteria for consideration use the same criteria, but disease specific standards in Part III (patient care
process) should have a score greater than 3.0. Healthcare facilities that want to apply for diseasespecific/
system-specific standards certification in 2020, should start from (1) defining the disease/
system that is the organization’s excellence; (2) setting up a working group for implementation; (3)
setting the desired results, goals, and benchmarks; (4) operating, monitoring and reviewing the system
for at least 3 years; and (5) facilitating the development by academic work.

Lessons Learned Regarding the Role of Infection Control Nurses in the COVID-19 Pandemic at Secondary and Tertiary Hospitals in Thailand: Content Analysis

2023-02-12T08:46:29+07:00

During the COVID-19 pandemic infection control nurses (ICN) played a vital role in helping prevent
and control the spread the disease. This qualitative research was conducted to identify the lessons that
could be learned from the COVID-19 situation regarding the roles of the ICNs working at secondary and
tertiary care settings in the 10th Public Health Region in northeastern Thailand. This study was support as
a subset of the study on nursing workforce management and competencies for secondary and tertiary care
during the covid-19 crisis in Health Region 10. The key informants were 20 ICNs, from 20 different
hospitals. The data were collected during October 2021 - April 2022 using in-depth interviews with
semi-structured interview questions; and were analysed by using content analysis. As for the findings,
the study discovered four additional major roles of ICNs in addition to their well-known roles regarding
the prevention and mitigation of COVID-19 spread within health care facilities. These vital roles were:
(1) assuming the position of the primary figure or commander in developing effective infection control
measures within the constraints of the limited resources available, including staffing, budget, and medical
supplies, within their hospitals; (2) participating in the restructuring of limited resources which were
available to ensure the hospital could function as optimally a possible even when faced with insufficient
resources; (3) providing comprehensive and intensive COVID-19-related education and training to
promote multi-disciplinary health professionals’ knowledge and essential skills to foster a high standard of
care, and support the staff’s abilities work collaboratively as a multidisciplinary team; and (4) engaging
in the reformation of their hospitals’ infection control policies. The findings of the study indicated that IC
nurses should be provided training to develop strategies, obtain and expand the related knowledge, skills
required for preparing for handling emerging disease crisis situations which mught occur in the future as well
as the need to increase the number of ICNs, provide sufficient appropriate personal protective equipment,
empowering ICNs and support their continuing education and training, and appointing the ICNs as
members of the hospitals’ infection control reform committees.

Full Issue

2024-12-30T13:59:27+07:00

Editorial Board

2024-12-30T13:52:32+07:00

Content

2024-12-30T13:39:30+07:00