Model of Empowerment Integration with AIC Technique for Taking Care of Chronic Psychology Patients. A Case Study: Kok-Kor Sub-district, Muang District, Mahasarakham Province - รูปแบบการเสริมสร้างพลังอำนาจร่วมกับเทคนิคเอไอซี ในการดูแลผู้ป่วยโรคจิตเรื้อรังในชุมชน กรณีศึกษา: ตำบลโคกก่อ อำเภอเมือง จังหวัดมหาสารคาม

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop an empowerment model for chronic psychiatric
patients as well as families and communities together with the use of AIC (Appreciation-Influence-
Control) technique for taking care of the patients in the community. It was designed as an action
research conducted during February – September 2011 in Kok-Kor sub-district, Muang district,
Mahasarakham province. The study populations were 10 psychiatric patients, 15 household members
or caregivers, 30 community leaders or community influencers, and 5 local health officers. The study
composed of 3 phases. Phase 1 was the preparation stage that included quick assessment for baseline
information by utilizing in-depth interviews, observations, and group processes. Phase 2 was then stage
of intervention action, follow up and assistance by using empowerment integration with AIC technique
approaches. Phase 3 was information analysis on power perception of the community and compared the
power perception before and after the intervention for eight-week duration. The results showed that
family and community empowerment with AIC intervention for taking care of chronic psychology
patients helped them to perceive their illness and raised awareness on importance for having appropriate
behaviors. Families and community had more understanding, caring and giving much attention to the
patients. Capacity building for patient care was enhanced through study visits to near-by provinces.
They also built a center to assist on career training and developed community referral system to help
patients on regular medication. Transportation and accommodation were supported by local administrative
office. The evaluation of power perception among the study group revealed that the scores before
the study were at intermediate level with the mean of 79 (out of the full score of 120); and after the
6thempowerment procedure, the mean score became 98. At the completion of the 8-week process, the
power perception scores increased to a high level, with the mean score of 107. Thus, the proposed
model which incorporated community participation and provision of psychiatric care based on AIC
technique should be considered as an effective intervention for providing care for chronic psychiatric
patients in the communities.
Key words: empowerment, AIC technique, care for chronic psychiatric patients