Evaluation of the Diabetes Care System at Pak Thong Chai Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This research aimed to (1) evaluate the efficiency of the diabetes care system during the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) compare diabetes care results across three major timeframes: prior to the onset of COVID-19, during the pandemic, and after the official declaration of COVID-19 as a communicable disease under surveillance in Thailand, at Pak Thong Chai Hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The evaluation research involved two population groups: (1) a non-communicable diseases (NCDs) working group consisting of 43 members and (2) all 5,550 diabetic patients from the chronic clinic at the hospital. An analysis of data on laboratory test results, stored in the hospital’s HOSxP system was undertaken, of all NCDs patients through a whole-population study approach. The research tool comprised a comprehensive questionnaire structured in alignment with the CIPP Model evaluation framework, containing five sections: (1) General information, (2) Context, (3) Inputs, (4) Process, and (5) Output. The lab test results of diabetic patients were analyzed utilizing both descriptive statistics and repeated-measures analysis of variance statistics with a predefined statistical significance level of 0.05.

             The findings revealed the following: (1) The evaluation of the healthcare system for diabetes patients indicated a commendable standard. Upon closer examination of each facet, the context aspect showed a favorable status, while the input and process aspects demonstrated moderate levels. In terms of service accessibility and satisfaction, both aspects were gauged at moderate levels. (2) The health conditions of diabetic patients were assessed by comparing lab test results during three distinct time periods: before the emergence of COVID-19, during the pandemic, and after the official declaration of COVID-19 as a communicable disease under surveillance in Thailand.Top of Form Comparison findings showed that the fingertip fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels and cumulative blood sugar (HbA1c) levels among diabetic patients exhibited no significant differences across the three time periods. However, it was noteworthy that when comparing the estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) of diabetic patients, statistically significant differences were observed at the 0.05 significance level. From the results of this research, it can be used as a guideline for planning, developing and improving the operating system to be more efficient.