Development of a Management Model for Diabetes Patient Healthcare in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This action research aimed to (1) study the situation, problems, and solutions related to the healthcare of diabetes patients; (2) develop a management model for diabetes patient healthcare; and (3) evaluate the developed management model for diabetes patient healthcare in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The research sample was divided into four groups: (1) 40 administrators, (2) 64 field healthcare workers specializing in diabetes, (3) 416 diabetes patients, and (4) 160 stakeholders. Research instruments included document analysis, focus group discussions, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while qualitative data were analyzed by classification and grouping.

               The results revealed that (1) the number of diabetes patients in Nakhon Ratchasima Province has continuously increased. Problem analysis identified behavioral health issues, such as preferences for consuming spicy food and lack of exercise. Proposed solutions included campaigns to discourage eating spicy food and promote consistent physical activity. (2) The diabetes patient healthcare management model was collaboratively developed with all relevant sectors, resulting in the “SMART-4M Model,” consisting of six main components: (2.1) health safety for diabetes patients (security), (2.2) a clear management plan (method), (2.3) diabetes patients’ active participation in activities (active), (2.4) family awareness of the importance of diabetes patient healthcare (realize), (2.5) continuous target setting by health network partners for diabetes patient management (target), and (2.6) healthcare management for diabetes patients (management). (3) The evaluation of the developed management model demonstrated its practical usability. Diabetes patients expressed the highest overall satisfaction level (mean = 4.26, SD = 0.62) and the highest overall demand level (mean = 4.39, SD = 0.67). It is recommended to continuously supervise and apply the 4M approach in the management of diabetes patient healthcare.