DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY-BASED CARE MODEL FOR DIABETES PATIENTS BY VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS

Abstract

This action research aimed to develop a community-based care model for diabetes patients by Village Health Volunteers (VHVs). The study involved 70 participants, including VHVs and diabetes patients, selected through purposive sampling. The study followed the principles of action research.

The results showed that, before model development, VHVs served as members of the health team under the leadership of public health officers in caring for diabetes patients. Most patients mainly focused on attending scheduled medical appointments, while self-care behaviors remained limited.  After implementing the action research process, VHVs gained more confidence in providing care for diabetes patients, and patients improved their health behaviors. The care model developed through this study had seven key steps: 1) Empowerment training to VHVs, 2) Building strong relationships between VHVs and patients, 3) Identifying problems together, 4) Finding solutions as a team, 5) Conducting Empowerment home visits, 6) Supporting patient self-care, and 7) Following up regularly. As a result, VHVs gained their knowledge and confidence in patient care. Importantly, 85% of patients were able to achieved their self-care, and 87% expressed a high level of satisfaction with the model. These findings highlight that empowering VHVs serves as an effective strategy to strengthen the continuity of diabetes care within the community.