The Development of a Health Care Model for the Dependent Elderly with Diabetes Mellitus through Family’s Participation in Phon Thong District, Roi Et Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research and development were: 1) to study problems and needs in health care of dependent elderly with diabetes and families in Phon Thong District, Roi Et Province, 2) to develop a health care model with family’s participation for dependent elderly with diabetes, and 3) to evaluate appropriateness of the health care model. 

                  The samples were divided by the model development phases. Phase 1, the samples were 24 dependent elderly with diabetes and families. Phase 2  the total samples were 36 persons including a family physician doctor, caregivers, nurse practitioners, public health academics, health volunteers, a nutritionist, and a pharmacist. Phase 3, the samples were 24 dependent elderly with diabetes and families and 12 public health personnel. Research tools comprised: 1) semi-structured interview form for dependent elderly with diabetes and families, 2) focus group guidelines for model development team, and 3) a appropriateness of the model questionnaire. The content validity index of questionnaire was 0.97 and reliability was 0.82. The quantitative data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, whereas, the qualitative data was analyzed by content analysis.

                  The results revealed as follows. 1) The problems and needs in health care for dependent elderly with diabetes and families were that they lacked knowledge of diabetes mellitus and disease control, service access, participation of families and social support.  2) The health care model with family’s participation for dependent elderly with diabetes composed  of  health condition and needed assessment, development of potential for patients and families, supportive of family’s participation, development of service access system and social support. 3) After implementation,  activities in accordance with the model were much appropriate.