Development of Network Participation in Caring for Older People with Chronic Conditions in a Community, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This action research aimed to develop network participation in caring for older people with chronic illnesses in a community, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The conceptual framework in this study was based on World Health Organization’s Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions Framework. The participants comprised 49 older people with chronic illnesses, 10 primary caregivers,and 25 persons from the community partner network. They were recruited through purposive sampling.Research instruments consisted of interview forms for situational analysis of older people with chronic illnesses, a guide to caring for older people with chronic illnesses, and a follow-up form for visiting older people with chronic illnesses. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics,and the qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The research was conducted in three phases: 1) situational analysis, 2) participative development and implementation, and 3) evaluation.Firstly, the situation analysis phase results revealed that the chronically ill older people’s needs included self-care support, encouragement, living aids, and senior clubs. The primary caregivers’ needs included assistance in caring for older people, counseling, and living aids for the older people. The needs of the community partner network included the development of work processes, preparedness of caregivers, and activities for older people. For the participative development and implementation phase, the findings showed that the internal community network and healthcare organization were
preparing skills, information, and motivation for older people and their families and continuously exchanging and reflecting on the information. Lastly, in the evaluation phase, the outcomes included having volunteers to care for older people, public policies, and a supportive environment for older people to modify their nutritional behaviors and physical activities to control their chronic illnesses
with the support and encouragement of primary caregivers. Thus, community nurses should focus on strengthening community network participation.
Keywords: Chronic illness, Community network, Older people, Particip