EFFECTIVENESS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PHONELINK PROGRAM AMONG PERSONS WITH ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE AFTER DISCHARGE FROM SUANPRUNG HOSPITAL, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Abstract

               Objective: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of implementing a Phonelink program among persons with alcohol dependence after discharge from Suanprung Psychiatric Hospital, Chiang Mai Province, from January to March 2021.

               Methods: This study was an operational study which the 42 samples were purposively selected from three specific groups: 1) eighteen persons with alcohol dependence, 2) eighteen relatives of persons with alcohol dependence, and 3) six health care team members who implemented the program. The instruments used in this study were: 1) Phonelink Program; 2) Demographic Data Questionnaire; 3) TimeLine Follow Back; 4) Readmission record form according to the indicators of Suanprung Psychiatric Hospital; 5) The Opinion of Health Care Team Members Questionnaire; 6) the Opinion of Persons with Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, and 7) the Opinion of relatives of Persons with Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency, mean, percentage, and comparing mean of heavy drinking days and stop drinking days using a t-test.

               Results: 1) Results from the t-test comparing mean of heavy drinking days and stop drinking days after the program was statistically significantly higher than that before the program at .001 (t = 25.26, P <.05). There was no readmission within 28 days. 2) All persons with alcohol dependence were satisfied with the Phonelink program. 3) All relatives of persons with alcohol dependence were satisfied with the program. 4) All nursing personnel were satisfied with using the Phonelink program.

               Conclusion: Phonelink program is effective and can reduce the number of heavy drinking days, increase the number of stopped drinking days, and lessen re-admission to hospitals, Therefore, healthcare providers should implement continuing care at a tertiary hospital.