Development of a Healthcare Service Model for the Elderly, Buriram Province

Abstract

The aims of this research and development study were to develop a model of healthcare service for the elderly and to evaluate the results. The study was conducted between October 2020 and September 2022 with the following three steps: 1) studying and analyzing the problems based on Six Building Blocks concept, 2) implementation based on the Deming cycle which was divided into four steps: a) planning and design, b) implementation, c) evaluation, and d) improvement, and 3) evaluation of results, success factors, and obstacles in the development of this model. Samples were 58 persons in charge of elderly health in local settings. Data were obtained from qualitative questionnaires and secondary data from health records. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

Results of this study included the development of "Buriram Elderly Seamless Care Model" in four groups. In pre-aging group, there were increase in number of screening points in communities with emphasis on health literacy. In healthy elderly group, there were wellness plans that focus on health promotion and disease prevention in elderly clubs. In ill elderly, elderly clinics with connection to intermediate care system were established. In dependent elderly, There were improvements in collaborations with local government organizations in providing long-term care systems to promote the potential of caregivers in communities. The results showed the increase in number of elderly receiving services such as screening (83.84%), desirable behavior screening (65.52%), caring for dependent elderly (6,019 cases), local government participation in LTC fund (207 from 208 organizations, 99.5%), and five quality aging clinics was established. Success factors in this process included strong local network in the community and continuation of a monitoring system, while the obstacle factors included lacking of referral system between aging clinics. It is recommended that the elderly service arrangement should start before persons entering elderly by providing seamless care system, and expanding the aging clinic to increase coverage in the community to develop quality services in the future.