Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak and Measures of Nakhon Ratchasima Province on Access to Medical Services in Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital

Abstract

According to the COVID-19 epidemic, at the end of 2019, there were 3.8 million deaths from COVID-19 worldwide and 176 million people infected with COVID-19 worldwide. Most at-risk patients are people with chronic diseases, older adults, and pregnant women. It also affects other dimensions such as the economy, society, environment, etc. This research examines the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 outbreak on the medical service system from providers' and recipients' perspectives. The study uses quantitative and qualitative research methods, including questionnaires and in-depth interviews. In addition, descriptive statistics are utilized to analyze the data collected. The study population consisted of service providers and non-communicable chronic disease patients who received services from Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital in the six districts of Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

The results showed that service providers had decreased the number of days for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). There is an adaptation using communication technology and taking the medication without coming to the clinic. Add referrals through the Diabetes Hotline. Screening of risk groups and recording data has 50-75% of the activity. The study discovered a significant adaptation of patients' access to medical services at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital during the first (60.4%) and the second epidemic (43.5%). To reduce the number of patients in the clinic, measures such as setting up time of appointments and prolonging appointments for well-controlled patients have been implemented (1st epidemic, 44.5%; 2nd epidemic, 50.4%). During both the first and second epidemics, there was a high level of drug continuity and availability, with rates of 94.1% and 92.6%, respectively. Patients with chronic non-communicable diseases are significantly affected in their access to emergency medical services and doctor visits. It also significantly impacts on emotions, the economy, and daily life.