Developing a Model for Preventing Missed Appointments: A Case Study of the Methamphetamine User

Abstract

          In the past, the prevention of missed appointments among methamphetamine users has not been possible to increase the retention rate in the treatment system. Thus, this action research aims to develop a model for the prevention of missed appointments for methamphetamine users in Kantharawichai Hospital, Mahasarakham Province. The 46 target groups with purposive selected consist of 26 people who are professional nurses, public health technical officers, community leaders, substance users with completed treatment and relatives, and 20 methamphetamine users. The data was collected by using questionnaire, interview questionnaire, meeting record form, and focus group meeting. Between 31 May 2023 - 31 July 2023. The frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Wilcoxon signed ranks test were applied for data analysis.

The results revealed that the participation of the individuals who are involved in the prevention of missed appointments among methamphetamine users was high in all aspects after system development. It was significantly higher than before system development (p < 0.001) and had a high level of satisfaction with the model development. Additionally, methamphetamine users had significantly increased knowledge (p < 0.001), and 100% of them completed treatment.

In conclusion, the successful factors of a model for the prevention of missed appointments for methamphetamine users include problem identification and analysis by stakeholders and the cooperation and support from family and community in the peer helping process, which may lead them to complete treatment. Thus, the operation of prevention of missed appointments for methamphetamine users was consistent with the model’s objective and also appropriate in the context of Kantharawichai district, Mahasarakham Province.