Evaluation of Occupational and Environmental Health Services in Hospitals, Health Region 3

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate occupational and environmental health services in hospitals in Health Region 3 during 2022–2024. The evaluation used a standardized assessment tool for occupational and environmental health services developed by the Department of Disease Control. Samples were purposively selected from 48 out of 54 participating hospitals (88.88%). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that the number of hospitals applying for the assessment increased over the study period. In 2024, the largest number of participating hospitals was 29. Center/regional hospitals achieved levels ranging from good to excellent. Most component scores passed, except for Component 4; there were 2 hospitals that did not pass the criteria, which is about the provision of occupational health services. Community hospitals ranged from the initial development level to the very good level. Components 1 and 2 passed every year, but Component 3, proactive service, failed in 2022. All hospitals failed Component 4. The low average scores for the center/regional hospitals were in knowledge management, monitoring environmental risk factors that may impact health, and reactive services. Community hospitals with low average scores focused on research, manual/guideline development, baseline data collection, work environment risk management, environmental and health risk monitoring, health screening for environmental pollutants, and reactive services. Among the 15 hospitals that were assessed in both 2022 and 2024, the average scores for Components 1, 2, 3, and 5 significantly increased (p < 0.05), reflecting improved performance with continued assessment. However, improvements should be made to the provision of reactive occupational health services (Component 4), including reviewing or adjusting the criteria based on hospital assessment results to align with the standards and operations of local hospitals. This leads to policy recommendations for establishing quality criteria for occupational health services in accordance with the Occupational and Environmental Disease Control Act B.E. 2562.