The Development of Surveillance and Health Care System among Long COVID Patients in Tambon Na Wiang Health Promoting Hospital Sai Moon District, Yasothon Province

Abstract

The action research study aims to development of surveillance and health care system among long COVID patients. The Management (4M) and using the 4-step PAOR concept were used to develop a surveillance system. The sample were 103 COVID-19 infected patients during January 1, 2022 to May 31, 2022 in the area of Ban Na Wiang Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Na Wiang Sub-district, Sai Mun District, Yasothon Province. The data were collected using a questionnaire, focus group discussion, analyze the data by conducting a content analysis and summarizing the issues for the need to develop a surveillance model and participatory care. Descriptive statistics were analyzed: mean, percentage, standard deviation.

         The results showed that 20 cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed with Long COVID, most of Long COVID were female (51.50%), with an average age of 36.55 years. The severity of Long COVID was low (  = 0.02, S.D.= 0.06). Most of them were without any treatment can recover from Long COVID by self-management. Development a surveillance system was suitable for operations in the area. We divided people with Long COVID into 3 groups consist of A, B and C. Group C surveillance and care was divided into 3 phases: pre-hospital, in-hospital and post-hospital.The defining roles and responsibilities and clear guidelines were bringing into existence patients screened, assessed, followed up, and forward appropriate treatment. All Long COVID patients received care according to the problems and needs. So that there were no severe symptoms. The success factors were that the executives have a clear policy, focus on proactive work in all sectors, know their roles and responsibilities, participate in mobilizing resources in 4 areas: personnel, budgets, materials, and equipment. The management services were efficient and sustainable long-term COVID-19 surveillance and care system has been developed.