Lesson Learned for Adaptation of Service for prevention and control of Non-communicable diseases in COVID-19 situation, Bueng Kan Province

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been concerned as a problem in the health region 8. Previous data between 2019 and 2021 showed that the morbidity rate of new cases of diabetes was 525.28, 580.10, and 451.42 per hundred thousand population. And morbidity rate of hypertension was 992.66, 1035.80, and 883.14 per hundred thousand population. Most of the patients were unable to control their blood sugar/blood pressure. The COVID-19 situation affected health services. Such as, the number of service days was reduced, and the outcomes of NCDs operation were decreased because of many staffs needed to control COVID-19. The objectives of this research were to study the service delivery model for NCD patients during the COVID-19 outbreak and to determine factors that affected innovation and sustainability. A descriptive study was conducted during 2 July - 26 October 2021. The sample group consisted of executives and the NCD managers of the Buengkan provincial health office, Buengkan hospital, Bueng Khong Long hospital, Muang and Bueng Khong Long Primary Care Unit for about 20 people. Semi-structured questions were applied for data collection. Interviewed and group discussions were done, and descriptive statistics were used for analyzing the data. The results found that service patterns had innovative development of information technology systems to help take care of people at risk/sick groups with non-communicable diseases. Factors affecting innovation were leaders who integrated health systems, supported budgets, personnel, and developed information technology systems to assist operations. Application for following their health should expand for people to self care.