An Evaluation of the Competencies of Public Health Personnel in Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals Transferred to the Provincial Administrative Organization, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

     This evaluation study aimed to analyze the situation, assess the needs, and investigate the congruence of competencies in the performance of public health personnel working in Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals (SHPHs) in a district of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, whose responsibilities had been transferred to the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Administrative Organization. The sample consisted of 36 public health personnel from SHPHs transferred to the Provincial Administrative Organization. Data were collected between June and December 2024. The research instruments included questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, all of which were validated by three experts. Data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics.

     The study revealed that the desirable characteristics required for job performance were consistent with the Civil Service Commission’s (OCSC) competency framework at the highest level. Similarly, the core competencies in job performance also aligned with the OCSC standards, which include professional ethics, accumulation of professional expertise, service excellence, and teamwork—all rated at the highest level, respectively. For the position of Director of the SHPH, competencies in human resource management, coordination, planning, leadership, and proactive community engagement should be further developed to enhance organizational management effectiveness. Professional nurses should strengthen competencies in nursing standards, ethics, and professional conduct, while being provided opportunities for professional autonomy and development. Public health academics and public health officers should be empowered with skills in personnel capacity building and the utilization of data for public health planning. Dental public health officers should improve competencies in management and academic work. Administrative officers should focus on developing competencies in organizational understanding, system operations, friendly service, and teamwork to effectively support organizational functions. Finally, finance and accounting officers should be developed in the areas of integrity, professional ethics, and compliance with regulations and procedures.

     Based on the findings, it is recommended to promote the competency development of each group of personnel through appropriate training, practical development, and work support. Such efforts will enhance management efficiency and improve the quality of public health services, enabling them to effectively respond to the needs of the population.