Evaluation of a Training Project to Enhance the Healthcare Capabilities of Buddhist Monks Serving as Caregivers on the Occasion of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand's 96th Birthday Anniversary: A Case Study in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate a training project designed to enhance the healthcare capabilities of Buddhist monks serving as caregivers on the Occasion of His Holiness, Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand's, 96^th Birthday Anniversary This case study was conducted in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand. The evaluation was conducted using the CIPP model, which assesses four aspects of a case study: context, input, process, and productivity. The participants were 159 trainee Buddhist monks and a 14 members of the training committee, who were selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments included questions for interviews, questionnaires about the input of the project, a knowledge test, a practice skills assessment, questions for focus-group discussions, questionnaires to assess trainee satisfaction, and a document analysis form. Data collection took place from May to June 2022. The collected data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and content analysis techniques. The results revealed the following findings: 1) In terms of the context, the objectives of the project were found comply with the related health policies, health problems, social situations, and the trainees' needs. 2) Regarding the input, the qualifications of the lecturers and trainees, timing, budgets, materials, training location, and potential of project management were deemed highly appropriate and exceeded the established criteria. 3) In relation to the process, the training process was successfully implemented according to the action plan. The implementation model consisted of four major components: (1) participation of networks, (2) enhancement of self-efficacy through health awareness promotion, health education, skill training, and role modeling, (3) learning evaluation, and (4) empowerment. 4) With regards to productivity, the trainees demonstrated the highest level of knowledge acquisition. The healthcare skills of the trainees also surpassed the established criteria. Furthermore, the trainees expressed the highest level of satisfaction with the training they received.